How Southern Hemisphere fab four made Rugby World Cup semis

New Zealand are now odds-on 8/13 favourites to retain the Rugby World Cup, having crossed nine times during a 62-13 steamrollering of France. Detractors of the All Blacks said Pool C was straightforward and only Argentina proved a true test, but those voices have surely been silenced.

Four years ago at the last edition of this tournament, Les Bleus stood between New Zealand and a second world title. That contest was edged by the All Black 8-7 and could not contrast more sharply with this slaughtering of the French.

Led by a hat-trick from rampant winger Julian Savea, and seven conversions from kicker Dan Carter, New Zealand remain the team to beat. Stopping their wide threat, cumulatively 13 if you add five from Nehe Milner-Skudder to the eight achieved by Savea, is The question nobody has had an answer to so far.

Irish injuries aid Argentina

Six Nations champions Ireland represented European rugby’s best chance of having a presence in the Rugby World Cup final four. That was until they lost captain Paul O’Connell and first-choice kicker Jonny Sexton.

Further injuries and suspensions left them weak, and the Pumas pounced on the Pool D winners running out 20-40 victors. Winger Juan Imhoff’s brace, the second coming as a demoralised Irish outfit Knew they were beaten, proved key.

Argentina are the 12/1 tournament outsiders, despite capitalising on injury-hit Ireland. France, victims of the far heavier defeat described above, clearly softened up Joe Schmidt’s side for the ever-improving Pumas. They are dangerous.

Wallabies ride their luck

Twickenham has become a happy hunting ground for 11/4 Rugby World Cup second-favourites Australia. By hook or by crook, they have dumped out three Home Nations on that hallowed turf.

Michael Cheika’s Wallabies first eliminated host country England from their own tournament, then ensured they avoided South Africa by out-kicking Wales and edged Scotland by the smallest of margins.

The Aussies will be concerned about their first-half display, and the mixed performance of fly half Bernard Foley in particular. Drew Mitchell’s two crossings show that he still plenty to offer, but beating Vern Cotter’s crew by 35-34 is way too close for comfort.

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