Quarter Final 4
New Zealand 33 def Argentina 10
In a final were any Rugby pundit would have picked a 20 point NZ victory over a less than dynamic Argentina, NZ winning 33-10, but using 7 penalties and scoring only 2 tries to 1 would not have been expected. Argentina had to slow down the ruck and spoil, which they did with aplomb, but paid the cost in penalties conceded.
Argentina played their game very well, frustrating NZ as only they can and making use of limited possession in innovative ways. Still, lacking the backline they had in 2007, it was always a big ask to beat NZ, hell, it is for anyone. NZ were penetrating off their initial strikes, as always, but struggled with clean multiple phase possesion.
That said, whilst New Zealand will be happy with a win, the purists and perfectionists will not be happy that they won by playing like England, as Australia showed that they can beat that game and face the AB's next with a little confidence.
New Zealand seemed nervous, skittish and all together completely unsure as to what was meant to happen. The difference between this game and the one preceding it, despite results and actual stats, was that Australia enter the Semis with great belief in each other, where NZ seem a little unsteady. Still the AB's are the AB's and whether through the boot or the try line, they are still the best in the world.
Next week looks set to be a wicked weekend with Wales v France and NZ v Australia. No dead end teams like England or South Africa to bore us all with % Rugby...it will be open fast and who knows who will be in the final, as this weekend has left many questions unanswered for all 4 teams.
