Stade de France Paris Saturday 21st Oct 2023
The stage is set for an exhilarating showdown as the All Blacks lock horns with Argentina in the Rugby World Cup 2023 semifinal. The action unfolds at the magnificent Stade de France in Paris on Saturday, 21st October. In the run-up to this epic battle, Argentina’s coach, Michael Cheika, has made some key changes, setting the stage for an intense contest.
Lineup Dynamics
Argentina’s Tactical Shift
Argentina’s seasoned halfback, Tomas Cubelli, who started in the quarterfinal victory against Wales, is making way for the return of Gonzalo Bertranou in the crucial semifinal clash. Cubelli, with over 90 test caps under his belt, has been omitted from the 23-man squad, with Lautaro Bazan Velez taking his place on the bench as Bertranou’s backup.
The reserves for Argentina include the venerable hooker Agustín Creevy. If he takes the field as the starting hooker and captain Julian Montoya’s replacement, Creevy will etch his name in the history books as the oldest player to grace the Rugby World Cup at the age of 38 years and 219 days.
In another remarkable milestone, No 8 Facundo Isa, who showcased his prowess in the quarterfinal clash against Wales, will be earning his 50th cap. The formidable prop Joel Sclavi and the seasoned first five-eighth Nicolas Sanchez, who played a pivotal role by scoring late tries against Wales, will again be on standby, adding depth to the bench.
Pumas’ Starting Lineup:
- Juan Cruz Mallia
- Emiliano Boffelli
- Lucio Cinti
- Santiago Chocobares
- Mateo Carreras
- Santiago Carreras
- Gonzalo Bertranou
- Facundo Isa
- Marcos Kremer
- Juan Martin González
- Tomas Lavanini
- Guido Petti
- Francisco Gómez Kodela
- Julián Montoya (capt)
- Thomas Gallo
Reserves:
- Agustín Creevy
- Joel Sclavi
- Eduardo Bello
- Matias Alemanno
- Rodrigo Bruni
- Lautaro Bazan Velez
- Nicolas Sanchez
- Matías Moroni
All Blacks’ Tactical Tweaks
The All Blacks’ head coach, Ian Foster, has implemented two significant changes to the lineup in preparation for their battle against Argentina. The 151-test veteran, Sam Whitelock, returns to start in the second row, partnering with his Crusaders comrade, Scott Barrett. Brodie Retallick, a stalwart with 107 caps, makes way for this formidable duo, demonstrating the wealth of talent in the All Blacks’ lock positions.
One more shift can be noted at the backup hooker position, where the dynamic Samisoni Taukei’aho takes over from the experienced Dane Coles on the bench. Foster attributes these changes to the need for an injection of “energy,” recognizing that facing Argentina may require a different approach compared to formidable opponents like Ireland.
The All Blacks are eyeing their fifth World Cup final appearance and aim to secure a win against Argentina, a team they have lost to twice in their history. Both defeats occurred under Foster’s guidance, with the Pumas achieving victories in Sydney in 2020 and in Christchurch in the previous year.
Argentina’s quarterfinal triumph over Wales with a score of 29-17 secured their spot in their third World Cup semifinal. Their previous appearances in the last four saw them succumb to South Africa in 2007 and Australia in 2015.
All Blacks’ Starting Lineup:
- Beauden Barrett
- Will Jordan
- Rieko Ioane
- Jordie Barrett
- Mark Telea
- Richie Mo’unga
- Aaron Smith
- Ardie Savea
- Sam Cane (capt)
- Shannon Frizell
- Scott Barrett
- Sam Whitelock
- Tyrel Lomax
- Codie Taylor
- Ethan de Groot
Reserves:
- Samisoni Taukei’aho
- Tamaiti Williams
- Fletcher Newell
- Brodie Retallick
- Dalton Papalii
- Finlay Christie
- Damian McKenzie
- Anton Lienert-Brown
Thrilling Prediction
As rugby enthusiasts worldwide prepare to witness this epic clash, it’s time to make a prediction. The All Blacks, after an astonishing quarterfinal victory against Ireland, face the formidable challenge of overcoming Michael Cheika’s Pumas. While Argentina secured their historic win against the All Blacks in Christchurch in 2022, New Zealand has emerged victorious in their last two encounters. The All Blacks will be eager to avenge their semifinal heartbreak at the 2019 World Cup, where they lost to England.
Prediction: In what promises to be an enthralling contest, we’ll place our bet on the All Blacks emerging victorious and progressing to the Rugby World Cup 2023 final.
Mark your calendars and set your alarms, because the All Blacks vs. Argentina is a clash of titans that promises unforgettable moments and high-octane rugby action.
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