NEW ZEALAND are aiming to reach another Rugby World Cup final tonight but they have to beat Argentina first.
Los Pumas overcame the odds to beat Wales in the quarter-finals last week while the All Blacks beat Ireland in a close encounter.
- Start time: 8pm BST
- TV/Live stream: ITV1 HD
- Argentina XI: Cruz Mallia, Boffelli, Cinti, Chocobares, Carreras, 10 Carreras, Bertranou; Isa; Kremer, Gonzalez, Lavanini, Petti, Gomez Kodela, Montoya (c), Gallo
- New Zealand XI: Barrett, Jordan, Ioane, Barrett, Telea, Mo'unga, Smith; de Groot, Taylor, Lomax, Whitelock, Barrett, Frizell, Cane (c), Savea
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By Ian Tuckey
Dawn of 'great All Black chapter'
Ex-New Zealand scrum-half Andy Ellis believes this evening's clash could herald "one of the greatest All Black chapters".
The three-time World Cup winners have defied their rare pre-tournament status as outsiders to earn this semi-final with Argentina.
And Ellis, 39, believes the togetherness born of such adversity could lead to an historic triumph.
He told Rugby Union Daily: "It has not been easy for this New Zealand team back home. But that is when this team can solidify and unite, and then look at it in a different way – that this could be one of the greatest All Black chapters.
Not going into the World Cup as the top-ranked side with everyone writing them off and now they can go – ‘want to talk about legacy here is a moment.’
"What makes me more excited and confident is how they just got back to their work this week. They were genuine in resetting back to zero and they have to start again."
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By Ian Tuckey
Lost and found
Both tonight's teams have discovered decent form after losing their opening game of the tournament.
And both recorded their best displays so far in the quarter-finals.
France beat the All Blacks 27-13 in the first match of the World Cup.
And England's George Ford notched 27 points as he booted the Pumas to an early defeat.
But gradual improvement since then peaked last weekend when each side passed their toughest test.
New Zealand toppled Ireland 28-24, while Argentina sunk Wales 29-17.
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By Ian Tuckey
The Brodie bunch
New Zealand replacement Brodie Retallick looked the coollest, calmest All Black as the clock ticked down towards kick-off at 8pm.
Retallick appeared to hold centre stage on the pitch with his squad-mates.
Credit: PA
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By Ian Tuckey
Aaron tuned in
New Zealand scrum-half Aaron Smith showed steely focus as he walked on the Stade de France pitch with headphones on ahead of tonight's semi-final.
The 121-cap star, 34, helped the All Blacks win the World Cup eight years ago.
And he will hope for a smooth evening against rank outsiders Argentina as NZ edge closer to their fourth crown.
Credit: Getty -
By Ian Tuckey
Springboks still favourites to lift cup
Being heavy favourites to beat Argentina in this evening's last-four clash still doesn't make New Zealand the bookies' tips to win the World Cup.
South Africa – England's opponents tomorrow – are backed to scoop the crown for a record fourth time.
Here are the odds from Betway for lifting the Webb Ellis Cup:
South Africa: 19/20
New Zealand: 23/20
England: 12/1
Argentina: 33/1 -
By Ian Tuckey
Latest match odds
New Zealand are an incredible 1/20 on to see off Argentina tonight.
The latest odds from Betway suggest this clash appears to be one of the most one-sided semi-finals in recent history… on paper, at least.
HOW THEY RATE:
Argentina: 10/1
Draw: 35/1
New Zealand: 1/20 -
By Ian Tuckey
Nou approach for Pumas
Gonzalo Bertranou replaces Tomas Cubelli at scrum-half in Argentina's only change from beating Wales 29-17 in last Saturday's quarter-final.
Skipper Julian Montoya and replacement fly-half Nicolas Sanchez are amongst seven Pumas who were also in the squad that reached the 2015 semi-finals.
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By Ian Tuckey
Telea vision could be painful viewing for Argentina
Wing Mark Telea returns to the New Zealand starting line-up after being dropped for the quarter-final against Ireland for breaching team protocol.
And with the All Blacks showing more than glimpses of their flowing best, it could be a Tel tale sign of trouble for Argentina.
New Zealand's only other change tonight sees Sam Whitelock come into the second row for Brodie Retallick.
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By Ian Tuckey
How they line up tonight
Argentina: Mallia; Boffelli, Cinti, Chocobares, M Carreras; S Carreras, Bertranou; Gallo, Montoya (capt), Gomez Kodela, Petti, Lavanini, Gonzalez, Kremer, Isa.
Replacements: Creevy, Sclavi, Bello, Alemanno, Bruni, Bazan Velez, Sanchez, Moroni.
New Zealand: B Barrett; Jordan, Ioane, J Barrett, Telea; Mo'unga, Smith; De Groot, Taylor, Lomax, Whitelock, S Barrett, Frizell, Cane (capt), Savea.
Replacements: Taukei'aho, Williams, Newell, Retallick, Papalii, Christie, McKenzie, Lienert-Brown.
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By Ian Tuckey
Can Pumas stop All Blacks' juggernaut?
Not many teams have been 10/1 outsiders for a World Cup semi-final.
But that's the size of the task Argentina face against back-in-form New Zealand at the Stade de France tonight, kick-off 8pm.
The winners will of course face the victors from England's clash tomorrow with South Africa.
History backs up the All Blacks' status as overwhelming favourites
New Zealand have 33 of their 36 matches against the Pumas.
That includes al three meetings at past World Cups.
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