Rugby WC23 : New Zealand, Argentina win in QFs to line up Semi final clash

 


The first semi final line up for the Rugby World cup 2023 is fixed . New Zealand withstood a stiff Ireland challenge while Argentina raised their levels to upstage Wales for an interesting meeting in semis one 


Ireland have been knocked out of the World Cup following a 28-24 quarter-final defeat to New Zealand at Stade de France.


The momentum of a tight match shifted in Ireland’s favour in the second half when they were awarded a penalty try after Codie Taylor collapsed a maul, bringing themselves back to within a point and their cause was further boosted when the All Blacks hooker was sin-binned for his infringement.


But 14-man New Zealand opened up a four-point cushion five minutes later when Jordie Barrett – who had missed a long-range attempt moments later – kicked a penalty from the 40-metre line.

Ireland, who had been playing catch-up for the majority of an exhilarating encounter, were unable to find the try they needed in the closing stages as the All Blacks held on to seal a 28-24 win and set up a last-four meeting with Argentina next Friday.


Meanwhile , Argentina pulled off a fine comeback to beat Wales in the first Rugby World Cup quarter-final of the weekend. Wales  took control early in the game after Emiliano Boffelli missed a penalty kick. Dan Biggar scored the first 10 points with a try and a penalty but from there the momentum swung.


Mistakes slipped into Wales’ play and two penalties later, Argentina went into the break trailing by four. Boffelli found his range and belted a fourth penalty over the sticks 10 minutes into the second half to put the Pumas in front for the first time only for Wales to find a response through Tomos Williams.



They could hold onto that lead though as Joel Sclavi went over for Argentina before Nicolas Sanchez latched onto an interception and all but won the game with a try three minutes from the end. The Pumas head to Paris to meet New Zealand  and Wales  are going home.



** Courtesy :  independent .co.uk

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