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 on Friday, October 20. 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?
Things get exciting now as the business end of the competition is in full flow. The hits get harder, the passes get sharper, and the margin for error is almost zero.
Four teams are left with a chance of claiming the win – let’s look over those in the Rugby World Cup semi-finals.
New Zealand
The All Blacks are looking to reclaim their trophy. South Africa won in 2019, drawing level with New Zealand on three tournament victories each. There has never been a nation close to the level of the All Blacks throughout the years of rugby union. The current crop has yet to stamp its place in the annals of history, but they move a step closer.
Argentina
The surprise of the tournament so far. They lost their opening pool game against England but have not been beaten since to make the final four for the third time in their history. They play New Zealand, who have had the better of them in recent years, so on paper, they look to have a lot to do to cause another shock and make the final.
South Africa
The three-time winners have made their way into the semi-final stage. They will take on England in a rematch of the 2019 final. A loss to Ireland will have fired them up, and they won one of the greatest games ever seen at a Rugby World Cup when they knocked off the hosts France in Sunday’s quarter-final.
England
Four times a finalist, they will be delighted to make the Rugby World Cup semi-finals after a demanding spell. This looks to be the end of the line for England, but they have only lost once at this stage in the past. They lost to France in the third-place playoff in 1995 when the hosts, South Africa, won. The Springboks stand in their way this time around.
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 on its head are more valuable than ever.
The All Blacks have three players who have each scored five tries. This includes Leicester Fainga’anuku, who, at the age of 24, has been having a coming-of-age party in France.
Emiliano Boffelli has powered Argentina through the tournament. He has a couple of tries to his credit from the wing, and his boot has been in great form for a total of 51 points at the World Cup.
For South Africa, Damian de Allende will head into the semi-final off the back of potentially his best-ever display in a Springboks shirt against France. A member of the 2019 winning team, he will be hungry for another win.
Five tries so far for England’s Henry Arundell has him just one off the lead for the tournament. For England to see off South Africa, they will need a spark from the young fullback who has looked like an emerging star in France.
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 nation, then a margin bet can be an interesting one.
If your team has not made this stage of the competition, there are still some fun bets on offer. Total points in a game is a bet that can keep the interest high for 90 minutes. You can also bet on which team gets to X points first – often set at 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 in the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
Here, we look at the best tips for this weekend’s semi-finals.
Argentina vs New Zealand
The teams met in the Rugby Championship in the summer, with New Zealand running out comfortable 41-12 winners. It’s hard to oppose the All Blacks in this one, but they are too short to back outright. This will likely be tighter than that clash, so a handicap play on New Zealand is the call at around the 16-point mark.
England vs South Africa
Once more, there is a short-priced favourite in South Africa. These games tend to be hard fought, with a 27-13 win for South Africa the last time they clashed in the 2022 Autumn Internationals. A handicap play on South Africa at the 12-point mark looks about right.
However you look to bet on the Rugby World Cup semi-finals, please do so responsibly.
Where to Bet on the Rugby World Cup Quarter Finals
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