Wallabies and Will Genia celebrate after winning the Rugby World Cup quarter final against South Africa (AAP Image/Dave Hunt)
The biggest game of the decade? It’s the Wallabies vs All Blacks in the Rugby World Cup semi-final – nothing more needs to be said. Join us from 7.00pm AEDT for live scores and an interactive blog of one of the most anticipated games in the 24-year history of the Rugby World Cup.
Everything goes on the line tonight, and to progress to the final to meet the waiting French, one of these teams will need to banish a hoodoo stretching well than a decade to emerge victorious.
For the Wallabies, it’s the 25-year stadium drought at Eden Park, while for the All Blacks, it’s the 16-year semi-final dry spell they’ve endured since their last Rugby World Cup final in 1995.
The buildup for this has been immense but unfortunately, so has the injury lists for both sides.
Kurtley Beale became the latest casualty when he succumbed to a hamstring injury yesterday afternoon, while the All Blacks lost flyhalf Colin Slade to a groin injury last weekend, and Mils Muliaina to a broken shoulder.
Adam Ashley-Cooper will start at fullback while Reds flyer Anthony Fainga’a moves to outside centre, and Rob Horne comes onto the bench.
22-year old Aaron Cruden will start the biggest game of his life in place of the injured Slade, Stephen Donald comes onto the bench while Hosea Gear is also brought in to replace Muliaina.
Crucially for the All Blacks, they regain two integral pieces of their backline in Israel Dagg and Richard Kahui, both of whom will provide a massive boost to a backline who seemed to struggle with direction last Sunday.
Graham Henry has labelled this the biggest game for the All Blacks in a decade, and it is hard to argue.
New Zealand is a nation who has had to cruelly endure watching some of the greatest rugby teams in recent history continue to fail when they shouldn’t; and now as hosts, another catastrophic loss would be too painful to bear for some.
And their form going into this tournament and the early pool games would indicate the drought should be broken tonight, but there is no doubt the All Blacks are a different team without Dan Carter and there’ll be more than a few New Zealanders with sweaty palms.
Yet their opponents have not exactly been in tournament-winning form themselves, and seemed to be deriving a little too much confidence from their 11-9 defeat of the Springboks.
They were solid in defence, but in essence the Springboks beat themselves and the injury the Brussow did them no favours either.
But if the Wallabies’ backline churn out a repeat performance, they could be in for a long night and an early flight home.
But little more needs to be said in the way of analysis.
Everyone knows that the All Blacks hammer the Wallabies at Eden Park as sure as night follows day, yet have failed to beat them in two attempts at Rugby World Cups and can’t progress to a final to save themselves.
The time for numbers, questioning, speculation and buildup is over. It’s time to play rugby, and for two nations to come to a complete standstill.
An epic is on the cards, and this could very well prove to be the greatest game in Rugby World Cup history. What’s going to unfold? Join us from 7.00pm AEDT for minute-by-minute live score updates and an interactive live blog, and do not hesitate to leave your opinions below!
Brianna
Guest
bye im going of my computer
Brianna
Guest
All Blacks Won Witch Is Awesome They Deaved To
Brianna
Guest
We needed dan he would of made us won buy a big way
Brianna
Guest
My Real name is brianna
blah
Guest
YAY ALL BLACKS OWN IM TOTAL KIWI! NO FRANCE
Daniel Ford
Guest
In regards to Ray Hadleys commentary, not the best and this showed through with a lack of understanding for the finer details of the game.I live in sydney and heard him say on his talk back radio show, he found it pointless watching all these phases of play where one man rolls away then the same thing happens agian. Then he said there should be rule changes. No wonder Ch 9 only use him as a last resort. Also his voice was really not suitable for a televison broadcast like this. Loved the result, but my viewing on television was definatley hampered by a sub standard commentary team. Come on Channel 9 pick up your act.
Touko
Guest
I don't thnk it was a disappointing Wallaby performance. I thought they played very well for the most part, put their guts into it and gave it their best shot. They came up wanting, sure. The ABs played better and deserved the win. Good on 'em, and congratulations where it's due: to the All Blacks.
Steve
Guest
Did any one see the interview with him after, that is one smashed up nose. Mike Tindall eat you heart out.
Steve
Guest
F off I would be behind the ANZACs to the hilt
katzilla
Roar Guru
Against France? Are you crazy?
NO CHANCE WOBBLIES
Guest
Yeah was an early sign alright Kento
Mike
Guest
Cooper was TERRIBLE - We need a real #10 - Not this bad Carlos Spenser
Pete #205
Guest
I don't know if I'm just feeling sorry for Quade, but aside from the kick off and a couple of other outright mistakes, I thought he played better than "usual", definitely better than last week anyway.
p.Tah
Guest
Don't think it was dried.. He just bleeds black :)
Jerry
Guest
It was dried though - once he'd gotten away with it for the first 5 minutes or so, it wasn't a danger to anyone, I figured.
Rabbitz
Roar Guru
Now why would we do that? If the result was reversed few Kiwis would support Australia.
David Scott
Guest
Thanks OJ, and congratulations All Blacks and supporters! Showed true class and best of luck in the final - this is truly a silver lining to a difficult vintage (mining, Christchurch, Rena) for our kiwi brothers.
p.Tah
Guest
Agree, but how much blood does Corey have to have on his face before he goes to the blood bin? It was like Dracula's wet dream...
Aware
Guest
Then again, if the ABs beat France by 50 points next week we won't look so bad!
Gumboot
Roar Rookie
Apparently Cooper stole Deans soap box..........Good in the hood, toke boys from Tokaroa are smoke and mirrors, Té Puke thunder............ By the way, I have no idea what I'm talking about but Ockers are......well, Ockers, support us Australia against France......ANZACS