Certainly! Here’s a paraphrased and extended text for the Argentina v New Zealand Rugby World Cup 2023 semi-final match:
In the electrifying world of rugby, the stage is set for a blockbuster semi-final as New Zealand, the three-time World Cup champions, lock horns with Argentina, a side eager to etch their name in history by reaching their first-ever final. This battle promises to be nothing short of epic, and we’ve got the scoop for you.
Date and Venue:
- Date: Friday, October 20, 2023
- Kick-off Time: 20:00 BST
- Venue: Stade de France, Paris
Where to Watch:
- Tune in for live commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live, with the build-up starting at 19:00 BST.
- For live text updates and more, head to the Sport News Center website and app.
The All Blacks’ Epic Journey:
New Zealand, known as the All Blacks, have a storied history in the Rugby World Cup. They’ve clinched the title three times and are now vying for their fifth World Cup final appearance. Their journey to the semi-finals has been nothing short of awe-inspiring, with a nail-biting victory over Ireland in the quarter-finals. In that match, they defended for an incredible 37 phases to secure a narrow win.
Argentina’s Fight to the Top:
On the other side of the pitch, the Pumas, after a setback against England in the pool stage, overcame a 10-point deficit to triumph over Wales in the quarter-finals. It’s worth noting that Argentina has previously reached the semi-finals but is still yearning for that elusive final berth. In their last encounter in July, the All Blacks emerged victorious with a scoreline of 41-12. However, Argentina has tasted the sweet nectar of victory against New Zealand twice in 36 matches, with their most recent win in August 2022.
Unbeaten Streaks:
Both teams have been on a roll since losing their opening pool games. New Zealand’s only loss came against hosts France, and Argentina fell to England. As they stand now, they are two formidable forces, each eager to carve their name in rugby history.
A Chance at Redemption:
For New Zealand coach Ian Foster, the memories of their semi-final defeat by England in 2019 serve as a driving force. They are determined to become the first nation to win the World Cup four times, after triumphs in 1987, 2011, and 2015. On the other side, Argentina is on a mission to redeem past semi-final losses, having reached this stage in 2007 and 2015 but failing to go all the way.
The Road to the Final:
The winner of this clash will face either England or South Africa in the final at the Stade de France on Saturday, October 28, promising a grand showdown regardless of the outcome.
Team News:
Winger Mark Telea returns to the New Zealand side after a brief absence due to a breach of team protocol. Another change sees Sam Whitelock taking the place of Brodie Retallick in the second row.
Argentina makes one change, with Gonzalo Bertranou stepping in as the scrum-half.
Coach’s Insights:
Argentina’s head coach Michael Cheika acknowledges the threat the All Blacks pose in every facet of the game, emphasizing the need for a flawless performance. New Zealand’s coach Ian Foster talks about the challenging path they’ve traversed and the importance of cherishing each week.
Match Officials:
Referee Angus Gardner from Australia, with assistance from Nic Berry and Karl Dickson, will oversee the match. Ben Whitehouse from Wales will serve as the TMO.
Head-to-Head Stats:
- New Zealand holds a dominant record against Argentina in World Cup matches.
- Overall, the All Blacks have secured victory in 33 out of 36 encounters.
- Argentina has only led New Zealand at halftime on five occasions since 1985.
Interesting Tidbits:
- The Pumas have played World Cup semi-finals but have never progressed to the final.
- New Zealand has a 50% win record in semi-finals, with four victories from eight games.
- The All Blacks are chasing history, looking to reach the final for the fifth time.
What Happens If It’s a Draw:
- If scores remain tied after 80 minutes, the game will go into extra time with two 10-minute halves.
- If there is still no winner, the match will proceed to sudden death, with the first team to score winning.
- In the rare case that no victor emerges, a kicking competition will decide the outcome.
So, gear up for a rugby spectacle like no other. Will the All Blacks continue their legacy, or will Argentina script a historic upset? The semi-final stage is set, and the world awaits in anticipation.
Stay tuned for this monumental clash in the Rugby World Cup 2023! _xD83C__xDFC9__xD83C__xDF0D__xD83C__xDFC6_
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Rugby World Cup 2023
What time and where is the Argentina vs. New Zealand Rugby World Cup 2023 semi-final taking place?
The semi-final is scheduled for Friday, October 20, 2023, and will be held at the Stade de France in Paris. Kick-off time is at 20:00 BST.
How can I follow the match and get updates?
You can catch live commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live with the build-up starting from 19:00 BST. For live text updates and more, visit the Sport News Center website and app.
What’s the history of these two teams in the World Cup?
New Zealand, known as the All Blacks, have won the World Cup three times and are aiming for their fifth final appearance. Argentina has reached the semi-finals before but has never made it to the final. In their last encounter in July, New Zealand won 41-12.
What happens if the match ends in a draw?
In the event of a draw after 80 minutes, the match will go into extra time with two 10-minute halves. If there’s still no winner, it proceeds to sudden death. If all else fails, a kicking competition will determine the outcome.
Who are the key players to watch?
Winger Mark Telea’s return to the New Zealand side and Argentina’s scrum-half Gonzalo Bertranou are worth keeping an eye on. Both teams have star-studded line-ups with the likes of Julian Montoya, Nicolas Sanchez, and the All Blacks’ experienced players.
What’s at stake in this match?
The winner of this clash will advance to the final, where they’ll face either England or South Africa, promising a grand showdown for the Rugby World Cup 2023 title.
More about Rugby World Cup 2023
- BBC Sport: Rugby World Cup 2023
- Rugby World Cup 2023 Official Site
- Stade de France Official Site
- Argentina National Rugby Team
- New Zealand National Rugby Team
- BBC Radio 5 Live
- Sport News Center
