New Zealand head coach Ian Foster dismisses favouritism tag against Argentina
Head coach Ian Foster has warned New Zealand the past counts for nothing as they head into their World Cup semi-final against Argentina as overwhelming favourites.
Michael Cheika Sport News
RTÉ Rugby World Cup podcast: Will we see an upset in the RWC semi-finals?
Neil Treacy is joined by Bernard Jackman and The Telegraph's Charlie Morgan to look ahead at this weekend's Rugby World Cup semi-finals.
After they were written off early, Pumas and All Blacks meet in World Cup semifinal
PARIS: Argentina and New Zealand weren’t supposed to get this far after losing their opening games at the Rugby World Cup. The Pumas were seen as no-hopers, the All Blacks perceived as a faded force.
Argentina inspired by historic 2022 win ahead of New Zealand test
Argentina have invoked their historic victory over New Zealand last year in their quest to pull off a seismic upset by winning Friday's World Cup semi-final. The Pumas prevailed 25-18 in Christchurch to topple the All Blacks for the first time and skipper Julian Montoya says that has instilled the belief that they can engineer a dramatic upset at the Stade de France. "As soon as you get on the field you believe you can win. It's true we have some firsts under our belts," Montoya said. "We were the first Argentina team to beat New Zealand and that confirms we can beat anyone. "I have full confidence in our team and our players. This is the moment to play the best game of our lives and give everything." The All Blacks are known for their ability to conjure spectacular tries but Argentina head coach Michael Cheika insists they are also accomplished at the less glamorous parts of the game. "New Zealand have always been an example in rugby, a benchmark. They make you think of high-level skills in a really open game but there are always threats in the line-out, mauls and rucks," Cheika said. "In a World Cup semi-final they are dangerous everywhere. We have been training as best we can, we will be ready. We'll see what happens." Argentina have made one change to the side that defeated Wales 29-17 in the quarter-finals, bringing in Gonzalo Bertranou for Tomas Cubelli at scrum-half. Matias Alemanno, Agustin Creevy, Facundo Isa, Tomas Lavanini, Nicolas Sanchez, Guido Petti and Montoya are the survivors from the Pumas' last World Cup semi-final against Australia in 2015.
Argentina bring in Bertranou as only change for semi-final
PARIS :Argentina have made a single change to their matchday squad for the World Cup semi-final against New Zealand in Paris on Friday as scrumhalf Gonzalo Bertranou returns to the side in the place of Tomas Cubelli.
Mark Telea recalled for New Zealand clash with Argentina
New Zealand have recalled wing Mark Telea and lock Sam Whitelock for Friday's Rugby World Cup semi-final against Argentina in Paris.
Argentina bring in Bertranou as only change for New Zealand semi-final
PARIS : Argentina have made a single change to their match day 23 for the World Cup semi-final against New Zealand in Paris on Friday as scrumhalf Gonzalo Bertranou returns to the side in the place of Tomas Cubelli.
Argentina know what knock-out footy is as they turn sights to New Zealand
PARIS : When Argentina lost their opening match against England after their opponents played the game with 14 men, few would have bet on the Pumas going deep in the World Cup, yet the initial defeat proved to be a blessing in disguise for the Pumas.