So, New Zealand versus England and South Africa versus Wales. If we all put our objective hats on, these semi-final match-ups are no surprise.
Many are already labelling the New Zealand versus England match as the ‘real final’, as they are the in-form teams of the tournament.
The All Blacks have perhaps surprised with just how well they have performed.
The Ireland game was a clear statement, with dominance in the forwards and an array of attacking threats in the backs. Relentless physical speed around the field coupled with their pace of thought. Sure, some things are predictable, but there is so much possible with the All Blacks’ play that their opposition is often left guessing – and, as we often hear, simply catching up.
That, in essence, is what England face this weekend.
Kicking will play a major role in England’s game, and they will keep it tight in the forwards to slow the game down. But they will also try to mix it all up by spinning the ball out the back – and they look much more dangerous doing so these days.
They may use one or two tricks they have up their sleeve if it feels right. Which, according to the England players, it will – because they are gelling as a unit.
So the semi-final takes on a certain amount of predictability, but neither the teams nor ourselves believe we’ll experience a predictable 80 minutes.
Although they do not say it out loud, I sense England are optimistic about their chances. The quarter-final win over Australia helps in that regard.
Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images
One of the unfortunate aspects of that match was that the Wallabies, at times, looked really good but were clearly not up to the task overall.
The All Blacks will be different.
Expect to see the Kiwi forwards take the game to the opposition pack and for the play to move all over the field at quick pace.
If the All Blacks score early it will be a long day at the office for Eddie Jones’ men.
It will be a brutal, physical game up front. The loose-forward battle will be fascinating. Expect Aaron Smith to generate quick ball and mix play up with box kicks and passing on different lines.
There are numerous options available for the All Blacks and it’s how effective these are, and when they are used – mixed in with other tactics – that could cause significant grief.
If England are to beat the All Blacks they will need to start strong and not let up, and somehow get the Kiwis rattled. But expect England to be significantly rattled early on too, and England don’t do well with such rattling.
If New Zealand don’t start strong themselves, they could easily see themselves behind by 12 points within the first 20 minutes.
They know that, of course. The first 20 minutes will see some of the most absorbing rugby in history. The second half could be even better.
Imagine, for example, England ahead by 15 points at the start of the second half. Those next 40 minutes will be incredible.
The second semi-final pales in comparison. It will be all about the forwards and the extent to which each team grinds the other down.
Unless Wales can muster up some backline magic and flair – they do have the ability, it’s just not often seen – then this semi-final is South Africa’s to lose.
Regardless, although it doesn’t have the gravitas of the first semi, there will be plenty of drama.
I’m seeing an All Blacks victory because of the team’s strategic and tactical versatility, and because they will come into the game better prepared mentally.
I’m seeing a South African victory because the way they play will not be effectively countered by Wales.
A great weekend of rugby ahead!
piru
Roar Rookie
Going to go with this as your first post huh? No real point replying as I suspect you'll never be heard from again toodles
Ulrich
Roar Rookie
You were wrong.
zubrick
Roar Rookie
it does now piru suck it up
zubrick
Roar Rookie
my sanity is fine ob hows yours??
zubrick
Roar Rookie
LOL ob
zubrick
Roar Rookie
they choked again....oh woe alack and alas
bob
Guest
England front row much better than the AB's. Back row about equal, flankers I give the edge to England, number 8 Read is looking good and Billy V is off form. Smith is the best 9 but nothing in it between 10's. England centres have it by a country mile and in May they have a proven worldi whilst the kiwi wingers look good but haven't done enough yet to prove their worth. Full back on goes to one man. Overall I think England edge it by a drop goal
Istanbul Wingman
Roar Guru
Both semis should be epic.
taylorman
Roar Guru
Well, they will be after the match. O'Sullivan, D'Arcy, etc etc were right into an upset, and how they were going to achieve it. Overnight Ireland became useless, out of form, past their peak etc etc etc when before the match... But...luckily...they were actually hopeless all along...silly us...
Muzzo
Roar Rookie
Yeh maybe so, Aaron, but the for & against doesn't show that. So that record still stands!.
FunBus
Roar Rookie
I’ve said elsewhere it was always ridiculous that following a loss to the ABs some England fans would point to the possession stats as ‘encouraging.’
Zack
Roar Rookie
Yep, the same one. Gave him a 20-metre head start and ran him down. And that was when Tuilagi was apparently faster than Bolt :laughing:
Jacko
Guest
Thats ok .....My dog has his own personal Sandbox
Jacko
Guest
Was Tuilagi the player B Smith ran down .....tackled...Got up from the tackle and turned over the ball?...Didnt look scared to me...
Bill Shut
Roar Rookie
I don't think the teams really have enough time to adjust their defence patterns - and in any case, the AB's seem to have added attacking options and this has created uncertainty for the opposing teams. As in 2015, I am picking a close SF, and if NZ get across the line, then final will be a win by 10+.
Jacko
Guest
Nah...herald is an Aus paper...Not sure about stuff
taylorman
Roar Guru
Yes that’s where I think it makes the difference. Ireland had no answer to the pace from the start. They woke up sixty minutes later to find they were even in a match. The head to heads go out the window when that happens. Agree with May though, one of the fastest backs playing today. He reminds me of Terry Wright who also used his blitzing pace to get away. Wasn’t much to his frame either.
taylorman
Roar Guru
They’re not overweight... :laughing:
taylorman
Roar Guru
True, as much as I hate to admit it. They’ve got a real good balance right across. Our speed and accuracy on the ball is what sets us apart I believe. ‘Collectively’ we make individuals better than their opposites. Certainly the case vs Ireland.
Zack
Roar Rookie
This is a great selection by Hansen - starting with 4 line-out options (Retallick, Whitelock, Barrett, Read), with Tuipulotu off the bench to maintain the 4 jumping options. Pressure now on EtM to decide whether to start with Laws or bring in Kruis and drop Laws to the bench - but he'll still only have his 2 locks to secure their line-outs, with 2 relatively small 6 & 7 and a fat 8 who nobody can lift!! We're going to contest the pom throw-ins and their scrums...