Argentina vs New Zealand Preview - Rugby World Cup 2023
Date: 20/10/23
Time: 21:00 CEST
Venue: Stade de France, Saint-Denis
Argentina and New Zealand are the first two pairs to reach the Rugby World Cup semi-finals. Argentina faced Wales and celebrated a 29-17 win, meanwhile, New Zealand celebrated a 28-24 win over Ireland.
New Zealand have won the RWC three times, meanwhile, Argentina have yet to become RWC winners. The Puma's best result in the Rugby World Cup has been third place in 2007.
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Argentina vs New Zealand Prediction - Rugby World Cup 2023
Ireland are currently ranked first in the Rugby World Rankings and after New Zealand celebrated a victory, the All Blacks are now favorites to win over the Pumas and reach the final.
New Zealand are ranked 4th while Argentina are 8th. The sides have faced off 36 times. The Pumas have won twice, and one match has been drawn. The All Blacks have won 33 games.
New Zealand are favored to win the game and qualify for the final on October 28, 2023.
Odds
Match winner
Argentina - 8.20
New Zealand - 1.045
First half result
Argentina - 5.30
Draw - 15.00
New Zealand - 1.15
Argentina vs New Zealand Team News - Rugby World Cup 2023
In Argentina's World Cup semi-final, only one change has been made from the side that defeated Wales. Gonzalo Bertranou steps in as the scrum-half, replacing Tomas Cubelli.
The rest of the lineup remains unchanged as coach Michael Cheika places his trust in the same XV that brought Los Pumas to this stage. Julian Montoya, the hooker, will lead the team as captain, and Facundo Isa marks his 50th international cap at number eight.
The center pairing features Santiago Chocobares and Lucio Cinti. On the bench, experienced players Agustin Creevy and Nicolas Sanchez await their opportunity. If Creevy takes the field, he will become the oldest player to appear in a World Cup semi-final at the age of 38.
New Zealand, on the other hand, are making two significant changes to their lineup. Mark Telea, who missed the previous game due to breaching team protocols, returns as the wing. Leicester Fainga'anuku, despite his impressive performance, is left out of the squad.
The second change sees Sam Whitelock stepping in for Brodie Retallick in the starting XV, marking his 152nd cap. Brodie Retallick is included on the bench, along with Samisoni Taukei'aho, who takes the place of Dane Coles among the replacements.
Argentina vs New Zealand Lineups - Rugby World Cup 2023
Argentina XV: Mallia; Boffelli, Cinti, Chocobares, M Carreras; S Carreras, Bertranou; Gallo, Montoya (capt), Gomez Kodela, Petti, Lavanini, Gonzalez, Kremer, Isa.
Replacements: Creevy, Sclavi, Bello, Alemanno, Bruni, Bazan Velez, Sanchez, Moroni.
New Zealand XV: B Barrett; Jordan, Ioane, J Barrett, Telea; Mo'unga, Smith; De Groot, Taylor, Lomax, Whitelock, S Barrett, Frizell, Cane (capt), Savea.
Replacements: Taukei'aho, Williams, Newell, Retallick, Papalii, Christie, McKenzie, Lienert-Brown.
Where to Watch? Argentina vs New Zealand - Rugby World Cup 2023
TV channel: ITV1
Live stream: ITVX website and app.
Live blog: Standard Sport’s live blog