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PARIS – All Blacks coach Ian Foster is 80 minutes from delivering the ultimate two finger salute to New Zealand Rugby as his team dismantled a ragged Argentina in the World Cup semi-final on Saturday (AEDT).
Foster will be ushered out of the job against his wishes after the tournament with Scott Robertson, on this evidence, a great chance to arrive as a rookie international coach of world champions.
The game was wrapped up within 50 minutes – a let down for neutrals after those brilliant quarterfinals a week earlier – and Foster was able to get many of his main weapons off for an early mark as they look ahead to a clash against South Africa or England as they bid for a fourth World Cup title.
“This is an impressive performance, a mature, physical, tactically smart performance,” said former Wallaby Morgan Turinui on the Stan Sport coverage of the 44-6 rout.
“They’re getting better every time we see them New Zealand. They were super impressive last week and they seem to be very aware of what their roles are. I’ve seen Will Jordan and Jordie Barrett sniffing around, taking workload off a forward pack who are so far at maul time are absolutely dominating.”
Former Wallaby Stephen Hoiles said the All Blacks had responded well to their off field issues in the past two seasons.
“Going into this season there was a lot of question marks around them – they didn’t have a great season last season by their own standards. All of that off field distraction, the announcement of a new coach for next season in Scott Robertson – it’s almost been the perfect plan for Ian Foster. I think he’s well respected by his players and they’re playing for him.”
The All Blacks’ dominance was in all facets and all positions. Argentina captain Julian Montoya spent his evening arguing in vain with Australian referee Angus Gardner. Their Australian coach Michael Cheika was fuming in the coach’s box as relentless Kiwi pressure saw his team penalised time and again.
New Zealand seemed happy to concede territory and the ball, then strike with venom.
Will Jordan scored the opening try, of course – his 29th in 30 Tests as a Richie Mounga ball floated out to him wide on the right wing. Jordan ended with a hat-trick to go past Damian Penaud on six and reach eight atop the tournament’s try scoring charts.
He should have four as Richie Mounga refused to pass to Jordan with the clock expired – going for glory. That cost Jordan the chance to be the top try scorer in a single tournament, but with 31 in 30 now he’s every chance to get there next week.
Aaron Smith of New Zealand celebrates with teammates after scoring his team’s fourth try during the Rugby World Cup France 2023 semi-final match between Argentina and New Zealand at Stade de France on October 20, 2023 in Paris, France. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
The team’s second try summed up the ruthlessness of the All Blacks machine.
Mark Telea, who is back off the naughty chair and into the starting team after missing the quarter-final, won a turnover on his 22 and it led to a stunning break from Rieko Ioane. He found Mounga and what happened next typifies the talent and composure in Foster’s ranks.
A lesser player on a lesser team would have rushed a risky pass outside to supporting Jordan, but Mounga bided his time, took the tackle and not too long later Jordie Barrett was bashing through two tackles to score a second try.
“So much rhythm and pattern in their play,” was Tim Horan’s perfect description and Hoiles added: “They’ve been defensively outstanding, their discipline has been fantastic and they’re so clinical.
The threats came from everywhere but Argentina were trying to get to the break down just 15-6 before the All Blacks iced it with two quick tries in two minutes either side of half time.
Aaron Smith, with his fourth of the tournament, had a brilliant solo effort, set up by a huge dummy and step. The bloke loves a celebration and he enjoyed that one with all his heart.
Rieko Ioane of New Zealand is tackled by Lucio Cinti and Rodrigo Bruni of Argentina during the Rugby World Cup France 2023 semi-final match between Argentina and New Zealand at Stade de France on October 20, 2023 in Paris, France. (Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)
Smith kept cajoling his teammates to defend when Argentina threatened which, to be honest, was barely at all.
“Incredibly disappointing for us,” said Cheika. “The effort was huge, they put everything out there but it was just in the small details. W ‘ve got a lot to be proud about. The score is hard but their effort today didn’t have the class to match New Zealand.
“We want to go home with a medal. Next week’s huge for us.” Argentina will face a third-fourth playoff next week.
Jordan added two tries in the second half – his third a stunning individual effort with a kick and chase.
“What a finish from one of the best players in the world,” said Horan. “Three tries in a RWC semifinal. He knew exactly where to kick the ball.”
The All Blacks had gone to the edge against Ireland a week earlier – having to survive 37 phases of defence near the death of that epic.
“As good as Argentina are you always knew New Zealand were the better the team. The question was could they emotionally get themselves back up after such a performance last week and the answer was a resounding yes. They were mature, they were physical, they were clinical and they were much too good,” said Turinui.
Former All Blacks World Cup winner Sonny Bill Williams believes the team is peaking at the right time but there are still question marks looking ahead to next week.
“I’m really impressed with how boys are playing (but it’s) new territory for a lot of these guys, a lot haven’t played in a World Cup final so it’s great to see them go on that stage,” said SBW.
“This team knows how to win without the ball and they’re hitting their strides without the ball.”
He added: “Tonight showcased where World Rugby got it wrong in term of the ranking system. I really feel for France and Ireland, they would have put on a better show than Argentina did tonight.”
Former Wallaby Justin Harrison added: “I don’t think I’ve seen a New Zealand team as powerful or as cohesive as we saw tonight – or confrontational. If rugby union was a 10 speed gear box the Kiwi side didn’t get out of second gear. They were everywhere, 1-15. It was difficult to find a man of the match.”