2023-10-20 11:50:22
The matches seem to be decided in advance. The semi-finals of the Rugby World Cup, Argentina-New Zealand Friday October 20 (9 p.m. on TF1) and England-South Africa Saturday October 21 (9 p.m. on TF1), should normally lead to a final clash between All Blacks and Springboks on October 28.
Considering the respective journeys of the four semi-finalists, the suspense is indeed as thick as a flounder freshly caught in the Atlantic. New Zealanders, winners of the Irish in the previous round, and South Africans, who eliminated the French, play in another division. But Argentinians and English can dream of an exploit.
► Because the French have set an example
A team that defies predictions in the World Cup, after having faltered in the first round of the competition and/or going through a catastrophic season? Supporters of the XV of France are well placed to know that we must never despair.
In 2011, the Blues were finalists, even though they had lost two matches in the first round and were coming out of a 2010-2011 season marked in particular by a record defeat at home against Australia (13-59).
In 1999, before eliminating the All Blacks in the semi-final of the World Cup, the French were also particularly unconvincing in the first round. They also finished last in the Five Nations Tournament and suffered a scathing 54-7 in New Zealand on tour.
► Because the English have come from very far away
A month ago, not many people would have bet a penny on a XV de la Rose. Including on the other side of the Channel. Beaten by the French at Twickenham in March (10-53), shaken by the Fijians in their den in August (22-30), the English had lost six of their last nine matches before arriving in France.
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Will England become double Rugby World Champions at the #RWC2023 ?
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20 years on, can @EnglandRugby become world champions again? pic.twitter.com/ba1ikaOJqJ— Rugby World Cup France 2023 (@France2023) October 18, 2023
England is nonetheless the last undefeated team in the competition, supported by experienced players, some talented youngsters, a minimalist game, a favorable draw and probably a certain spirit of revenge. In the ranks of this team, no one must have forgotten the less than complimentary comments which had preceded the arrival of the English in France.
► Because Argentina has already beaten New Zealand
The Argentinians, too, did not really convince during the first round. They also stumbled from the start against the English (27-10). They are now faced with an immense challenge: beating the New Zealanders, who are once again walking on water and over their opponents.
A reason to believe it? Two, actually. Twice recently, Argentina found the key to winning against the All Blacks. After 28 losses and a draw, she won her first victory over New Zealand in 2020 (25-15). Two years later, she repeated this feat (25-18).
► Because it risks raining in Saint-Denis
The World Cup began with “cooling breaks”, granted to players to allow them to survive a scorching start to September. Five weeks later, Météo France announced showers on Friday and rain on Saturday in Saint-Denis.
In a sport that is played outdoors, mainly with the hands, the weather report is important. Since the start of the competition, the English and Argentinians have not stirred up the crowds with passes after contact and crazy cavalcades. A wet and therefore slippery ball should not fundamentally change their strategy.
► Because it would be an unprecedented snub
Well, it’s true, South Africa-New Zealand in the final of the tenth Rugby World Cup, the poster seems particularly tempting. Each of the two selections already has three Webb-Ellis trophies in their cabinet. The meeting on Saturday October 28 will be an opportunity to take the advantage, twenty-eight years after the historic shock of 1995.
But an Argentina-England final would have the flavor of the unprecedented and the spectacle would also be in the stands. The bustling Argentinian public has impressed with its enthusiasm since the start of the event, and the English would come en masse to fill the Stade de France with their songs.
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