Rugby World Cup Semi-Final Preview
The Rugby World Cup is drawing to a close with a little over a week left in the competition. The penultimate weekend provides us with two tantalising semi-finals; with defending champions New Zealand facing England whilst South Africa take on Wales on Sunday.
Each semi-finalist will be looking to cap off their campaigns by securing the Webb Ellis trophy in Yokohama next Saturday.
New Zealand v England
The All-blacks have boasted impressive form thus far in the World Cup; form that has seen become firm favourites in the first of the semi-finals. They will face an undefeated England team that has been largely untested so far in the tournament.
New Zealand, who are looking to become the first team to win three world cups back to back, have faced the sterner of the competition in the group stages. They kicked off their campaign with an impressive and comprehensive victory over South Africa.
After finishing top of their group, they systematically dismantled Ireland in a seven try performance.
Off the back of these performances, there will be pressure on the All-blacks to perform again. But coach Steve Hansen says that pressure is simply part of playing for New Zealand, “We know the expectations and pressure upon us every time we play. It's a matter of getting used to that.”
England, however, believe that the lack of pressure on them will allow them to play their game and take the game to New Zealand. Jones has implored his team to write their own ‘script’.
Jones’ side have had a similar path to this stage of the World Cup finishing atop of their group and beating a struggling Australia in the quarter finals.
This New Zealand team are much sterner and dangerous team than England have faced before. Former England scrum-half Matt Dawson has pointed out this immense task, “They have got to play the perfect game.”
He continues and argues that England will need a flawless performance in order to usurp the number one ranked team.
England will have to defy the odds if they were to reach their first World Cup final since 2007.
Wales v South Africa
Wales, much like New Zealand and England, topped their group but have faced difficult challenges throughout. They were pushed to the edge against Australia and Fiji in the group stages. They also narrowly beat a tough and spirited French team to reach this semi-final matchup.
Wales’ build up has very much consisted of mixed fortune with the boost of Jonathon Davies returning to full fitness. However, star full-back Liam Williams has been ruled out with an ankle injury. He joins Josh Navidi on the injury list.
Wales are entering their semi-final battle hardened and full of confidence after last weekends 20-19 victory over France. “This group of players have won 18 or 19 competitive games in a row and that gives us confidence going into Sunday.”
The departing Warren Gatland and this Wales team are daring to dream of a maiden World Cup glory. A victory against South Africa will see Wales reach their first World Cup final.
South Africa, however, will look to dash Wales’ dreams.
The Springboks have been in great form since their opening round loss to New Zealand. This run of form included a victory against Italy and a well-rounded performance against World Cup high-flyers Japan.
South Africa themselves have not been without their own setbacks, star wing Cheslin Kolbe has been ruled out due to an ankle injury.
Despite this injury, South Africa pose a big threat. Their powerful game consistently places their opposition on the backfoot.
Wales are wary of the threat that they pose, “South Africa have a very good scrum and have depth in that area with bringing quality guys off the bench,
“We talk about physicality other teams bring against us. We have got to not just match that but bring our own physicality.”
This promises to be an enticing affair as Wales have won the last four meetings between the two sides.
The two will meet on Sunday in Yokohama.
