If they meet South Africa it would be their second final against the Green and Gold, while a matchup against England would be their first.
Argentina’s hopes of becoming the first nation to hold the football and Rugby World Cup titles concurrently were extinguished just as quickly as that notion took root.
Los Pumas, who played their opening game against England in Marseille, were so devoid of lustre they could have been mistaken for a team contesting the bronze final. After another short-of-the-mark performance they will now get the opportunity to contest that less coveted prize.
To be fair, the All Blacks were at times in dazzling form and they were going to be hard to beat.
If there was any doubt about their title credentials they have well and truly banished it in their last two matches.
They played like a team determined not to repeat their surprise semifinal exit of four years ago.
Though Argentina took an early lead after seeing much of the possession, the All Blacks controlled the bulk of the match.
New Zealand’s defence, so resolute against Ireland a week ago, again maintained its integrity in the early part of this game when Los Pumas did all their prowling. Again the All Blacks sucked up what came their way before turning the tables, and
…. to be continued
Read full article at the Original Source
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source : TimesLive.za – https://www.timeslive.co.za/sport/rugby/2023-10-20-all-blacks-breeze-into-fifth-rwc-final/
