FIXTURESNo upcoming fixtures — check back soon.
FORUM / RUGBY /  PREVIEW: ARGENTINA V AUSTRALIA; Rugby 365

PREVIEW: ARGENTINA V AUSTRALIA; Rugby 365

Started by Just_win6 REPLIES426 VIEWS· 23 Oct 2015, 13:45
SHAREXFACEBOOKWHATSAPPTELEGRAMREDDITLINKEDIN
JW
Just_winCaptain18,570 posts
23 Oct 2015, 13:45
#1
23 Oct 2015, 13:45#1

The Latin Americans have been fantastic in this year's tournament with their only hiccup coming in a spirited 16-26 defeat to defending champions New Zealand in their opening match. They are now just one win away from reaching their first-ever World Cup Final.

Their win 43-20 over Ireland in last weekend's quarterfinals was a clear message to the other remaining teams in the competition that they are not in Britain to make up the numbers.

However, they are facing a stern test against street smart Wallabies' outfit who are many pundit's favourites to win title this year after the mighty All Blacks. Flyhalf Nicolas Sanchez has been one of the stars of Argentina's campaign so far scoring 74 points.

Despite many singing his praises, Sanchez's attention remained firmly on preparing for the semifinal this week.

"I try not to think about it [the attention]," said Sanchez 

"I focus only on the team and the things we have to do to get as far as possible. We are recovering from what was a tough match against Ireland and looking ahead to the semifinal against Australia.

"Australia are having a great time and they are playing with a very good shape. We have much respect for them as well as they are the current champions of the Rugby Championship. 

"They come unbeaten into this World Cup semi, so we have to have a great game if we want to beat them and reach the Final.

"They are a team that can attack well and when they break the first tackle they become very difficult to stop.

Under Michael Cheika's tutelage, Australia are not only a team that can cut defences to pieces out wide, but can also dominate upfront with the big boys.

However, star back Matt Giteau said they won't be taking their opponents lightly on Sunday.

"You can't underestimate them, you do so at your peril and we won't," said Giteau.

"Every World Cup, they're very good," Giteau added. "Argentina are playing with a lot of confidence. They are throwing the ball around, their back three are explosive and overall when this side is playing with confidence they are very dangerous."

The forward battle will probably be the most interesting aspect of this game with an Argentinean legend, Mario Ledesma, being Australia's scrum coach.

It may be an old saying but whoever dominates the set pieces, especially the scrum, will probably win this game as both teams used this area of the game to get major psychological advantages over tough opposition in this year's tournament.

These two teams have met seven times in the Southern Hemisphere's Rugby Championship, with Australia winning six of those matches. Argentina's sole win came in Mendoza in 2014 and it was a very important win in for the South Americans as it gave them a huge amount of confidence in their preparations for this World Cup.

Some of that confidence also resultedin a remarkable 37-25 win over South Africa in Durban this year.

Australia and Argentina have met twice before in World Cup matches with Australia winning on both occasions. In 1991 in a Pool C game Llanelli Australia won 32-19 and 12 years later in a Pool A game in Sydney they won 24-8.

Players to watch: 

For Argentina: Flyhalf Nicolas Sanchez has been the unsung hero in many of his team's matches this year and his tactical awareness around the park is up there with the very best. Wing Juan Imhoff is a try-scoring machine and cannot be given any space, His speed off the mark is also incredible. Pablo Matera can cause the Wallabies some trouble at the breakdown and his commitment on defence is brilliant. Hooker and captain Agustin Creevy is the heart and soul of this passionate and fiery Argentinian side. He is the core of a powerful front row and he is a natural-born leader as well. 

For Australia: Fullback Israel Folau will be one of the most dangerous players on the field with ball in hand. He can slice through some of the best defences and is also solid under the high ball. Matt Giteau's experience in the midfield gives the Wallabies' backline surety and his tactical genius also takes some of the pressure off flyhalf Bernard Foley. David Pocock has been a revelation at No.8 and gives Australia a double threat at the breakdowns with Michael Hooper. Captain and hooker Stephen Moore has been everywhere on the park for his country in this World Cup and will once again be putting his body on the line in the physical exchanges.

Head to head: The two flyhalves, Nicolas Sanchez and Bernard Foley, will be looking to get the tactical advantage over each other - there goal kicking will also take on an added significance in a big match like this. Pablo Matera and Michael Hooper are masters in their craft at the breakdowns and both will be looking to poach possession for their respective teams. These next two players are both captains of their respective teams and they both play in the same position - Stephen Moore and Agustin Creevy. They will see plenty of each other in the scrums and their leadership skills on the field will be put under the spotlight in the pressure situations.

Prediction: Argentina will make life tough for the Wallabies up front and they will be well in the game throughout the 80 minutes. However, expect Australia to edge it by eight points.


JW
Just_winCaptain18,570 posts
23 Oct 2015, 13:46
#2
23 Oct 2015, 13:46#2
 Depends if Poc*ock plays; if he plays I pick Oz by 7; if not Argentina by 3.


BL
bluebokPro3,977 posts
23 Oct 2015, 15:13
#3
23 Oct 2015, 15:13#3
JW, what are you smoking....and can I have some??
RO
RooinekCaptain18,117 posts
23 Oct 2015, 15:13
#4
23 Oct 2015, 15:13#4
Wish they'd name their teams!
JW
Just_winCaptain18,570 posts
23 Oct 2015, 16:02
#5
23 Oct 2015, 16:02#5
Bluebok, yeah my post showed a certain amount of disoriented thinking  I corrected it so a few of us have editing privileges. 
Maybe only the Bok fans have restricted editing rights?
BL
bluebokPro3,977 posts
23 Oct 2015, 16:09
#6
23 Oct 2015, 16:09#6
Good stuff JW!
I'm outa here!
Can't wait for tomorrow!  
GO BOKKE!!!!!!
BE
Beeno1Captain40,032 posts
23 Oct 2015, 19:08
#7
23 Oct 2015, 19:08#7
JW remove the word mighty before the words all blacks. What a villain ou Jw is proving to be!
— END OF THREAD —

More from Rugby

More news