New Zealand and South Africa, the rugby giants, are favorites in the semi-finals

On Friday they will open the dance against Argentina, the protagonist of a great comeback against Wales in Marseille (29-17), in a game that started with a 10-0 rout.

Argentina will be looking to make their two wins against the All Blacks in 2020 and 2022 memorable for their most important win in a World Cup semi-final (defeats in 2007 and 2015). But the rest is 33. Lost in 36 games.

“Everyone is looking forward to the final between New Zealand and South Africa. History has not been in our favor, but we have to reverse the trend,” Argentina coach Michael Cheika said.

A day later on the same stage, reigning world champions the Springboks start as favorites against England, who won the last edition’s final 32-12.

“It would be foolish to treat the Boks as favourites, especially as we know England’s qualities at the World Cup,” South Africa captain Sia Kolisi said.

In the quarter-final against France (29-28), South Africa completed the perfect tactical match, exploiting the Blues’ weaknesses in the first period and dominating the end of the match, thanks to changes in their coaches, who decided to stick with the same XV. To face England.

“The rivalry between us is very old, before my time. It’s always special to play against them, at Twickenham or elsewhere, it’s always difficult to beat them. It was a great game against a great team,” the iconic added. Coliseum.

England, the Northern Hemisphere’s only representative in the last round, comes after a trepidation with Fiji ten minutes from time (24-24) that was resolved thanks to a winner by its captain Owen Farrell. A drop is decisive.

The pride and support of thousands of Englishmen in the Stade de France marvels at their arguments.

— World Cup Semi-Final Schedule (in GMT time):

– Friday:

(19h00) Argentina v New Zealand

– Saturday:

(19h00) England v South Africa

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