Experts predict Boks vs All Blacks final
• Defending champions eyeing tight title defence
Rugby experts expect South Africa's Springboks to face the All Blacks of New Zealand in the Rugby World Cup final.
The highly anticipated Rugby World Cup semi-finals are on the cards, with Argentina set to face the All Blacks tonight, whereas England are scheduled to play defending champions South Africa tomorrow.
Both semi-finals will take centre stage at the Stade de France, starting at 21:00, respectively.
Argentina ended their losing streak against the All Blacks with a 25-15 victory three years ago before they won their first Test against the All Blacks in New Zealand in 2022 with a 25-18 win.
South Africa and England have already played each other in two World Cup finals (2007, 2019), both of which were won by the Springboks.
Tough challengers
Rugby pundits shared their two cents on the two matches, with sports journalist Andrew Poolman saying he expects Argentina to push New Zealand all the way, but the All Blacks to eventually win somewhat comfortably.
On Saturday’s clash, he said, looking at the way the Springboks have been building up during the tournament, "it would take a monumental effort to keep them from winning the trophy again.
‘‘Rugby is an obsession in South Africa, which is a big drive behind the Springboks’ success. Of course, the level of preparation, planning and analysis of the opposition by Rassie Erasmus and Jacques Nienaber (the combination referred to as Rasnaber) has been spot-on.
‘‘England will present a tough challenge in the semi-final, but I expect the Springboks to overcome them and advance to the final,’’ Poolman said.
High expectations
Wanderers coach Dirk Human expects the game between Argentina and New Zealand to be a strong clash.
"I believe New Zealand will be too strong. If they can control their set pieces, I think their backs will be good enough to finish, especially with their three play-makers, Richie Mo'unga, Jordie Barrett and Beauden Barrett. Argentina will be direct, but I believe the New Zealand defence will be up to the task.
‘‘England struggles against the more physical teams. I believe SA will dominate upfront, and with their elusive runners in the wide channels, they should be able to win easily. SA is probably technically the best in the World Cup. I see a final between SA and NZ,’’ Human noted.
On the other hand, Robbie Dickson, United’s coach, believes the Springboks will play to a 15-12 win for them. He added that the first half will be tough for the All Blacks, but that they will put on a great display to win the match 20-17.
He guessed the Springboks will defend the title with about four points on 28 October.
Both semi-finals will take centre stage at the Stade de France, starting at 21:00, respectively.
Argentina ended their losing streak against the All Blacks with a 25-15 victory three years ago before they won their first Test against the All Blacks in New Zealand in 2022 with a 25-18 win.
South Africa and England have already played each other in two World Cup finals (2007, 2019), both of which were won by the Springboks.
Tough challengers
Rugby pundits shared their two cents on the two matches, with sports journalist Andrew Poolman saying he expects Argentina to push New Zealand all the way, but the All Blacks to eventually win somewhat comfortably.
On Saturday’s clash, he said, looking at the way the Springboks have been building up during the tournament, "it would take a monumental effort to keep them from winning the trophy again.
‘‘Rugby is an obsession in South Africa, which is a big drive behind the Springboks’ success. Of course, the level of preparation, planning and analysis of the opposition by Rassie Erasmus and Jacques Nienaber (the combination referred to as Rasnaber) has been spot-on.
‘‘England will present a tough challenge in the semi-final, but I expect the Springboks to overcome them and advance to the final,’’ Poolman said.
High expectations
Wanderers coach Dirk Human expects the game between Argentina and New Zealand to be a strong clash.
"I believe New Zealand will be too strong. If they can control their set pieces, I think their backs will be good enough to finish, especially with their three play-makers, Richie Mo'unga, Jordie Barrett and Beauden Barrett. Argentina will be direct, but I believe the New Zealand defence will be up to the task.
‘‘England struggles against the more physical teams. I believe SA will dominate upfront, and with their elusive runners in the wide channels, they should be able to win easily. SA is probably technically the best in the World Cup. I see a final between SA and NZ,’’ Human noted.
On the other hand, Robbie Dickson, United’s coach, believes the Springboks will play to a 15-12 win for them. He added that the first half will be tough for the All Blacks, but that they will put on a great display to win the match 20-17.
He guessed the Springboks will defend the title with about four points on 28 October.
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