Twitter Reacts to the New Zealand vs. South Africa Rugby World Cup Semi-Final

New Zealand vs. South Africa. One of the most fierce rivalries in world rugby and the perfect background to Saturday evening's Rugby World Cup semi-final at Twickenham.

The All Blacks qualified for the last four courtesy of last week's thrashing of France, while South Africa squeaked past Wales seven days earlier to earn their spot.

New Zealand fans were, funnily enough, a bit nervous about the prospect of a nail-biter:

"

Don't know if I can watch this, too nervous. Come on ABs!!!! #NZLvRSA

— Sarah Leaning (@Sarah_Leaning) October 24, 2015"

The Springboks' support were hopeful of an upset victory over their old rivals:

They took the lead through a Handre Pollard penalty, but New Zealand scored the first try of the game through Jerome Kaino:

South Africa rallied with two penalties and earned a key advantage at the break when the try-scorer was sin-binned. The reaction from All Blacks fans? Well...

"

This is the worst referee I've ever seen. Worse than Barnes. #NZLvRSA

— Matthew Hooton (@MatthewHootonNZ) October 24, 2015"

But a rare Dan Carter drop goal, and a try to substitute Beauden Barrett, had the world champions back in front 10 minutes after the restart. To add insult to injury, Springboks wing Bryan Habana was given a yellow card of his own in the process.

It was a crucial play, as Habana was having quite the evening.

South Africa edged closer, trailing by two as the game entered its final ten minutes. The nerves were back:

"

Jeezlikit bokke, gonna give me an effing heart attack. #NZLvRSA

— Carel Kattekwaad (@CarelWillemse) October 24, 2015"

But New Zealand held on to win 20-18 and advance to next weekend's final at the same ground.

Some celebrations were low-key.

Others less so:

And true to form, New Zealand suddenly has a few more Argentina fans.

[Twitter]