2023-10-21 10:20:34
The appointment. In exactly one week, the All Blacks will play the fifth World Cup final in their history, in ten editions, after having largely dominated, Friday October 20, their Argentine opponents in the semi-final, at the Stade de France (Saint-Denis ). The New Zealand players will face the winner of this evening’s match between the English and the South Africans, who defeated the French just a week ago.
Friday evening, the Pumas were only able to resist one half, during which they scored all their points, before being crushed by the New Zealand players in the second half. Along the way, ally Will Jordan scored a hat-trick, bringing his total to eight in this tournament, equaling the record of his compatriots Jonah Lomu and Julian Savea and South African Bryan Habana.
“Against a team like New Zealand, the slightest mistake is fatal. »¨
The Argentines, despite this third failure in the last four after 2007 and 2015, can be satisfied with their tournament, which they began laboriously with a defeat against England (27-10). “It’s not sadness tonight. I am proud of my teamreacted their coach, Australian Michael Cheika. We lost on details, small errors at important moments. Against a team like New Zealand, the slightest mistake is fatal. » The Pumas will play the “small final” next Friday.
The All Blacks, who did not have to exert their talent last night, can now prepare for the final on Saturday October 28, at the Stade de France. A stadium where they began their journey with a large defeat against the Quinze de France (27 to 13 for the Blues), on September 8. They have since gained momentum, as demonstrated by their summit match against the number one in the world hierarchy, Ireland, whom they beat hard, 28 to 24 in the quarter-final, Friday October 13 .
On the road to a possible fourth world title, New Zealand players could find an opponent they know perfectly, and whom they fear, South Africa. In a preparation match at the end of August, the Springboks suffered the heaviest defeat in their history (35-7). Another era.
#Blacks #ready #final