At this stage, one of the four teams still in the running requires two more wins to lift the Webb Ellis Cup. Even for the calmest, the Rugby World Cup semi-finals will set the nerves on edge. The first Rugby World Cup semi-final will be played on Friday, the 20th of October. The second comes up the following day, with the Stade de France in Saint-Denis hosting both.
A week from the quarter-final stage to the Rugby World Cup semi-finals gives some time for the bodies to recover. It also makes for impatience, and that can lead to mistakes. Who can keep their calm and book their place back at the Stade de France on the 28th of October?
What Nations have Qualified for the Semi-Finals?
This is where things get exciting as we head to the business end of the competition. The hits get harder, the passes get sharper, and the margin for error is almost zero. Four teams will be left with a chance of claiming the win. Let’s look over those we think could be in the Rugby World Cup semi-finals.
New Zealand will have to fight hard to make this stage, but they are still one of the best teams in the world, and it would be a little bit of a surprise if they do not make it to another semi-final. They could be set for a quarter-final against South Africa which would pit the two teams with three World Cup Final wins against one another. They beat them back in July in the Rugby Championship and can do so again.
Looking at the way the bracket works out, they could be set to take on England in their semi-final. England has the easiest Pool, which would probably set them up with a game against Wales in the quarter-final. Wales beat England in Cardiff’s recent Summer Series match-up, so that will be far from straightforward. Wales have 12 wins against England since the start of the millennium, but ten have been at home – this is a different proposition.
Another team who will have to do things the hard way are Ireland. In a group with South Africa and then a potential clash with France at the quarter-final stage, a trip to the semis would cement their position as the top-ranked team in the world. The defending Six Nations champions are yet to make a World Cup semi-final, but this could be the year.
If Australia can win Pool C, they should end up with the easiest quarter-final match-up against the Pool D runner-up, which could be Argentina. That would set up a potential semi with the Irish, which will be the most challenging game of the tournament for them.
Player Overview
The big stage can only be trodden by the best players, and in the Rugby World Cup semi-finals, we have plenty on show. Players who have the talent to turn the momentum of a game in its head are more valuable than ever.
Where Ireland is concerned, that has to be Josh van der Flier. With an impeccable try-scoring record, Irish fans will hope that ‘The Dutch Disciple’ adds to his tally.
For the All Blacks, that spark could come from Emoni Narawa. He is not long removed from making his debut for New Zealand but looks like an exciting talent on the wing. The Fiji-born player turned twenty-four in the summer and arrived with a bang.
Not only did he score on his debut against Argentina in the Rugby Championship, he played a huge part in two other tries. A strong runner who can finish, his spark will be crucial for the All Blacks.
Interesting Things to Bet on During the Semi-Finals
There is a massive range of markets for punters to enjoy – from the basics, like picking which team will win a game, to the more complex such as winning margins. If you are looking to cheer on your home nation, then a margin bet is an interesting one.
If your team has not made this stage of the competition, there are still some fun bets to be had. Total points in a game is a bet that can keep the interest high for the full 90 minutes.
You can also bet on which team gets to X points first. This is often 10 for rugby union. Find a team who is straight on it from the opening whistle. Those who look to hit their opposition hard and early are perfect.
Tips for Betting on the Semi-Finals
Forty-four games are behind us, and just four to go. Rugby fans who have watched the entire tournament should be well-versed in the remaining teams. That is always the best way to have a bet. Visual evidence of what has happened before, a guide to the future seen for yourself.
There will be all sorts of bonuses on offer with bookmakers during the tournament. They will seek new customers with sign-up bonuses tailored to the games. There are also free bet clubs to be had with certain bookmakers. A winner from a free bet always feels extra good, even when you have had to have bets in the first place.
However you look to bet on the Rugby World Cup semi-finals, please do so responsibly.
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