New Zealand beat Argentina 44-6 to reach Rugby World Cup final

PARIS (AP) — New Zealand qualified for their fifth successive Rugby World Cup finals after beating Argentina 44-6 on Friday.

The All Blacks will be looking for another record with a fourth title, against South Africa, the defending champions, or England, who face each other in the other semi-final this Saturday.

Going into the match against the Pumas, there was a question mark over whether the New Zealanders could match the physical and mental effort they put in to defeat Ireland last weekend. Starting as clear favourites, it didn't take long for them to show they were ready for the semi-finals.

On the other hand, the predictions for their quarter finals are not favourable.

“I'm incredibly proud of the way we responded tonight,” coach Ian Foster said. “It's really satisfying, but now comes all the pressure of the final.”

The All Blacks suffocated Argentina with their strength and pace. In the scrums, they forced the Pumas back.

But just like last weekend against Ireland, the defense really impressed New Zealand. He finished with 195 takedowns, 121 of which came in the first half, and only 10 missed.

This left the Pumas exhausted, but they fought back and were practically beaten at half-time, with a 20-6 deficit.

“Our forwards did a great job… they kept putting pressure on the Argentines,” New Zealand captain Sam Kane said. “We know we're a team that fights for everything and doesn't shy away from challenges. That ability to keep picking up points was satisfying.

In the second half, the fight opened up more and the All Blacks were relentless. They pressed the attacks and beat the pumas until they were exhausted.

They led 39-6 heading into the final quarter, in which they added only Will Jordan's third try.

Jordan could have scored his fourth try of the match, but Richie Mounga was unsuccessful and wanted to find it himself.