So RWC 2015 semifinals are scheduled for this weekend. What should we expect from them? What am I expecting from that matches? That’s the main point of the post. For the first time ever I am making my “rugby note” in English. I have many friends who don’t speak Russian but love this game and Sam, Troy, Davide and others: I’m interested in your opinions.
You know, the situation had slightly changed round after round. We thought All Blacks are not that great after pool stage but then they crashed poor France and we praised them again. We considered Wallabies as main contenders but then they almost lost to Scotland the brave. We supposed Ireland could reach the highest stage but they had been late for their quarterfinal match or were sleeping for the first 10 minutes of the match (choose you version) and we have Pumas in semis.
The first game is clash of the titans. South Africa vs New Zealand. As you know I’m big All Blacks fan, so I’m rooting for them. Springboks are always dangerous but they still don’t convince anyone that they are really ready for the third title. Forget ridiculous loss to Japan, it was one night embarrassment. They won all matches after that but had little problems with Scotland and big problems with Wales. South afrikans have experienced squad but when you see silver beardedVictor Mattfield you think about age and stamina. The performance in Rugby Championship was great example of this. So I don’t believe they could compete with All Blacks but… It all depends on All Blacks. They can smash anyone anywhere but sometimes do many mistakes trying different magic staff. If they have hands in the right places this evening Boks don’t have a chance. I should say Springboks haven’t impressed me yet in a good way on this tournament, so I bet on New Zealand. They should win rather confidently.
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I don’t like Pumas. You should understand they play fine rugby but I just can catch their style. Well, sometimes I’m prejudiced. But I have to recognize Argentina is big player on this tournament. They did well against All Blacks in the first match and then didn’t give a chance to their opponents. I originally had a mind that they could defeat Ireland because their way to the quarters wasn’t very problematic one. Great speedy backs, good quality scrum. Yes, discipline is poor sometimes. Ireland wasn’t able to punish them but Wallabies know them better. Aussies look better than anyone during pool stage but their quarterfinal will be remembered for Craig Jouber’s mistake that gifted them win and nothing else. But rain always equals chance. Still Australian third row is something special, yes, sometimes Hooper makes crazy things trying to kill someone in the ruck but they steal the balls and that’s the matter. I will play safe and bet on Wallabies. First of all because they know Pumas well and, second, they overall have more star power in their players. Argentina’s chances are not quite small but they should repeat their trick with Ireland and score early.
Australia – New Zealand is an epic final for me. We have never seen this before on grand stage. It’s a pity the battle for the Cup turned into Rugby Championship but it is a problem of Europe rugby unions.
P.S. sorry sor my simple and porr english but it is still better than google translation.
2 ответа к “The last stop before the final!”
Hi Alex,
Nervous game for us in NZ but got there in the end. Too much kicking and poor discipline hampered the All Blacks but the Bok defence was very good, which may have forced those actions. SA didnt have enough firepower to break the All Black line but whoever wins in Aus-Arg will know to keep the ball tight and look for kickable penalties as a counter for the All Blacks ‘on the line’ defensive pressure and late game fitness. NZ also uses the full width of the field better than most teams so stretches defensive lines to create gaps for the likes of Nonu, Savea and Nehe to run into (or through..)
I’m hoping Argentina will create an upset to reach their first final but I also think an All Blacks win over the Wallabies in the final will be more satisfying, seeing as they timing their run very well and you can never discount a motivated Australian side. Pocock, Hooper and Folau can all break matches open so I’m thinking an NZ-Aus Final and if so, a high scoring but tight match with penalty discipline being of vital importance in the match.
Yes, Boks made All Blacks feel pressure till the end. They didn;t have the ball but defended very well. They didn’t even need to enter 22 to score with such tactics. And of course rain is great equalizer.
Lineouts saved the day for AB and of course Carter’s superb kicking. There was no win without his droppie and that difficult conversions