The first semi-final of the 2023 Rugby World Cup pits two Southern Hemisphere foes against one another, as Argentina and New Zealand do battle for a place in the final.
Finishing second in Pool D behind England, Los Pumas have been on something of a slow burn so far this tournament, but they roared into life to score two late tries to defeat Wales 29-17 in an epic quarter-final.
Later, the All Blacks pulled off a momentous result of their own. Leicester Fainga’anuku’s try opened up a 13-0 lead 20 minutes into the contest, and from there, New Zealand would never relinquish their advantage, clinging on to win 28-24 in a thriller and condemn Ireland to another quarter-final defeat.
With 2019 finalists England and South Africa facing off in the second semi-final, the winners of this game know they’ve got a tough task ahead.
The Sporting News is following the match live, providing updates and commentary below.
Argentina vs New Zealand live score
| Score | |
| Argentina | 0 |
| New Zealand | 0 |
Tries:
Conversions:
Penalties:
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Argentina vs New Zealand live commentary, highlights
1 hour 30 mins to KO: Hello…
Argentina vs New Zealand lineups
Los Pumas make just one change to the team that beat Wales in Marseille, as Gonzalo Bertranou replaces Tomas Cubelli at scrum-half having started four games in Pool D. Flanker Juan Martin Gonzalez scored the only try and wing Emiliano Boffelli kicked 20 points as Argentina secured a 25-18 win in Christchurch last year, and both start with the aim of repeating that historic result.
The impact of Argentina’s bench turned the tide against Wales, with all of their points in the final 12 minutes — other than from Boffelli’s cannon of a right boot — coming via replacements. Prop Joel Sclavi‘s close-range try got the comeback underway, and following a try-saving Matias Moroni tackle, veteran fly-half Nicolas Sanchez latched onto an intercept to race under the posts and seal the win.
The stage is set…
Here is the @lospumas lineup who will face New Zealand 👇#RWC2023 | #ARGvNZL pic.twitter.com/3j3GPe9aaB
— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) October 18, 2023
Argentina starting XV: Juan Cruz Mallia, Emiliano Boffelli, Lucio Cinti, Santiago Chocobares, Mateo Carreras, Santiago Carreras, Gonzalo Bertranou; Thomas Gallo, Julian Montoya, Francisco Gomez Kodela, Guido Petti, Tomas Lavini, Juan Martin Gonzalez, Marcos Kremer, Facundo Isa.
Argentina replacements: Augustin Creevy, Joel Sclavi, Eduardo Bello, Matias Alemanno, Rodrigo Bruni, Lautaro Bazan, Nicolas Sanchez, Matias Moroni.
55 metres. No problem. 🔥#RWC2023 | #WALvARG pic.twitter.com/5W0vd3Mfbp
— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) October 18, 2023
In turn, the All Blacks make two changes to their matchday 23, both of which come in the starting lineup. Mark Telea, who coach Ian Foster had dropped from the side following a curfew break, is recalled on the left wing despite Leicester Fainga’anuku’s try-scoring exploits last weekend. Telea and opposite winger Will Jordan will be looking for service from playmakers Richie Mo’unga and Jordie Barrett, whose points off the tee made the difference against Ireland.
In the pack, two old warhorses switch positions. Record All Blacks appearance maker Sam Whitelock moves into the starting side, taking the second-row place of long-time partner Brodie Retallick. Scott Barrett will line up alongside Whitelock with Retallick set to make an impact off the bench, and the impeccable form of No. 8 Ardie Savea will provide even more from the back of the scrum.
Semifinal team 🫡#AllBlacks #RWC2023 pic.twitter.com/DEZDpXL98Y
— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) October 18, 2023
New Zealand Starting XV: Beauden Barrett, Will Jordan, Rieko Ioane, Jordie Barrett, Mark Telea, Richie Mo’unga, Aaron Smith; Ethan de Groot, Codie Taylor, Tyrel Lomax, Sam Whitelock, Scott Barrett, Shannon Frizell, Sam Cane, Ardie Savea.
New Zealand Replacements: Samisoni Taukei’aho, Tamaiti Williams, Fletcher Newell, Brodie Retallick, Dalton Papalii, Finlay Christie, Damian McKenzie, Anton Lienert-Brown.
Who’s ready for some more of these? 🙋 #RWC2023 | #ARGvNZL pic.twitter.com/kTHgBCsiky
— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) October 18, 2023
MORE: All Blacks edge Ireland in match for the ages to reach Rugby World Cup semi’s
Argentina vs New Zealand TV channel, live stream
TV networks worldwide will be showing all 48 matches at the tournament live, including many on free-to-air television.
On social platforms alone, video content from the Rugby World Cup and organisers World Rugby drew more than 2.1 billion views in 2019 — almost six times the previous figure.
| TV channel | Streaming | |
|---|---|---|
| USA | — | Peacock |
| Canada | TSN |
TSN+ |
| UK | ITV | ITV X |
| Australia | Channel 9 | Stan Sport, 9Now |
| New Zealand | Sky GO | Sky GO |
| India | — | Fan Code |
| Hong Kong | BeIN Sports | BeIN Sports |
| Malaysia | BeIN Sports | BeIN Sports |
| Singapore | BeIN Sports | BeIN Sports |
MORE: New Zealand thump Italy to clinch quarter-final place in style
Argentina vs. New Zealand betting odds, prediction
Despite losing their first home game against Argentina little under 14 months ago, the All Blacks have very much reverted to type since, beating Los Pumas in the two fixtures since by a combined scoreline of 94-15.
They’ve also been successful in their previous two World Cup encounters. Winners by 33-10 in the 2011 quarter-finals on home soil, the All Blacks then won 26-16 win at Wembley Stadium in the 2015 pool stage. New Zealand went on to win both tournaments.
It’ll be interesting to see how Argentina have developed from their past meetings with the All Blacks, and how much they’ve taken from their late show against Wales. However, an admirable comeback pales in magnitude to the performance put in and result secured by New Zealand against an all-conquering Ireland side, and as such, we’re tipping the All Blacks to progress to the World Cup final by at least eight points.
| Result | Australia (Unibet) | UK (BetOnSports) |
| Argentina win | 8.50 | 17/2 |
| Draw (after 80 mins) | 41.00 | 28/1 |
| New Zealand win | 1.08 | 1/12 |