SA are favourites
Written By
DNA Web Team
| Updated:
The 2nd semi-final will be fought between the South Africa and Argentina (who ironically beat England and France respectively in pool stages).
Argentina have never beaten the Springboks before, but past history and form will not deter them at having a go at the Africans in the second semifinal of the rugby World Cup, writes Chaitanya Sinh
The first semi final of the Rugby World Cup 2007 was played between Northern hemisphere arch-rivals England and France whereas the second semi-final will be fought between the 2 unbeaten Southern hemisphere teams South Africa and Argentina (who ironically beat England and France respectively in the pool stages).
Thus whatever the outcomes of the semi-finals we are assured of a final that will be bitterly contested by a team from each of the hemispheres.
South Africa is the favourite (since the early exit of New Zealand and Australia) and they have been in good form in the tournament. They have a well balanced team that is a mix of experience and youthful exuberance and they also have the comfort of having already won the World Cup before (beating New Zealand in the final of the 1993 edition).
Argentina on the other hand has been the dark horse of the tournament. The Pumas have surprised everybody, especially the pundits by also remaining unbeaten (their upset against France in the opening game of the World Cup set the trend for the under-dogs in this tumultuous competition).
The Argentine team will believe that they have a great chance of going all the way in this competition as most of their members play professional rugby in France and will have the support of the spectators.
Both the Springboks and the Pumas have players in their ranks that on their day can seize the opportunity for their respective sides and the players to watch out for in this match-off are:
Battle of the scrum halfs
Agustin Pichot (Captain) — This will be 33 year old Pichots’ swan song to international rugby. He is the general of the Pumas and has been an inspirational captain who leads by example. His has an in-your-face aggression and wears his heart on his sleeve which makes him an intimidating opponent.
Fourie du Preez — Another mercurial performer who was named South African player of the year 2006. He will have his work cut out against Pichot but his all round game which includes smart decision making, impressive running and kicking skills should make this a contest that he will relish.
War of the decision maker
Hernandez — The 25 year old Pumas fly-half and rising star has this week itself been nominated for the prestigious IRB Player of the Year award, such has been his performance in the World Cup.
He has been instrumental in implementing the Argentine territorial game plan of kicking the ball deep and asking questions of the opposition.
James — Is a physical fly half known for his strong defense, quality kicking and impressive distribution. The Johannesburg-born player, who will join English Premiership club Bath after the tournament will want to match his skills and wit against Hernandez and will punish any mistakes made by his counterpart.
Skills of the full backs
Montgomery — Veteran full back is a match winner with his reliability under the high-ball as well as his ability to counter attack. He also has a gifted boot and will share the goal kicking responsibilities with Butch James.
Corleto — Another dangerous full back who has had a fantastic tournament. He will be part of the kicking trio that Argentina employ (along with Hernandez and Contepomi) and he will certainly test his counterpart with a few well placed kicks.
Corleto likes to be involved and will attack the line whenever his side get into good scoring positions.
Whilst the above individual clashes will certainly be interesting to watch, the battle of attrition between both the powerful forward packs will really be where all the action is.
Argentina has never beaten the Springboks before, but we know that past history and form will not deter them from staking their claim in the annals of rugby history.
(Sinh is a former India rugby captain and a commentator on Neo Sports Plus for the 2007 WC)
The first semi final of the Rugby World Cup 2007 was played between Northern hemisphere arch-rivals England and France whereas the second semi-final will be fought between the 2 unbeaten Southern hemisphere teams South Africa and Argentina (who ironically beat England and France respectively in the pool stages).
Thus whatever the outcomes of the semi-finals we are assured of a final that will be bitterly contested by a team from each of the hemispheres.
South Africa is the favourite (since the early exit of New Zealand and Australia) and they have been in good form in the tournament. They have a well balanced team that is a mix of experience and youthful exuberance and they also have the comfort of having already won the World Cup before (beating New Zealand in the final of the 1993 edition).
Argentina on the other hand has been the dark horse of the tournament. The Pumas have surprised everybody, especially the pundits by also remaining unbeaten (their upset against France in the opening game of the World Cup set the trend for the under-dogs in this tumultuous competition).
The Argentine team will believe that they have a great chance of going all the way in this competition as most of their members play professional rugby in France and will have the support of the spectators.
Both the Springboks and the Pumas have players in their ranks that on their day can seize the opportunity for their respective sides and the players to watch out for in this match-off are:
Battle of the scrum halfs
Agustin Pichot (Captain) — This will be 33 year old Pichots’ swan song to international rugby. He is the general of the Pumas and has been an inspirational captain who leads by example. His has an in-your-face aggression and wears his heart on his sleeve which makes him an intimidating opponent.
Fourie du Preez — Another mercurial performer who was named South African player of the year 2006. He will have his work cut out against Pichot but his all round game which includes smart decision making, impressive running and kicking skills should make this a contest that he will relish.
War of the decision maker
Hernandez — The 25 year old Pumas fly-half and rising star has this week itself been nominated for the prestigious IRB Player of the Year award, such has been his performance in the World Cup.
He has been instrumental in implementing the Argentine territorial game plan of kicking the ball deep and asking questions of the opposition.
James — Is a physical fly half known for his strong defense, quality kicking and impressive distribution. The Johannesburg-born player, who will join English Premiership club Bath after the tournament will want to match his skills and wit against Hernandez and will punish any mistakes made by his counterpart.
Skills of the full backs
Montgomery — Veteran full back is a match winner with his reliability under the high-ball as well as his ability to counter attack. He also has a gifted boot and will share the goal kicking responsibilities with Butch James.
Corleto — Another dangerous full back who has had a fantastic tournament. He will be part of the kicking trio that Argentina employ (along with Hernandez and Contepomi) and he will certainly test his counterpart with a few well placed kicks.
Corleto likes to be involved and will attack the line whenever his side get into good scoring positions.
Whilst the above individual clashes will certainly be interesting to watch, the battle of attrition between both the powerful forward packs will really be where all the action is.
Argentina has never beaten the Springboks before, but we know that past history and form will not deter them from staking their claim in the annals of rugby history.
(Sinh is a former India rugby captain and a commentator on Neo Sports Plus for the 2007 WC)