Rugby World Cup 2015: Schedule, TV Info and Preview for Semi-Finals
It's a southern hemisphere monopoly in the semi-finals of 2015 Rugby World Cup with all four teams having now booked their place.
In the first semi-final, South Africa take on the might of New Zealand after the pair overcame Wales and France, respectively, while Argentina face Australia following wins over Ireland and Scotland.
Read on for a closer look at the two unmissable matches, but first here are all the details you need to know to catch all the action:
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| Saturday, Oct. 24 | 4 p.m. BST/11 a.m. ET/(Sunday, Oct. 25)1 a.m. AEST/4 a.m. NZDT | South Africa vs. New Zealand | ITV (UK), Fox Sports 2 (AUS), Sky Sport 1 (NZ), SuperSport 1 (SA) |
| Sunday, Oct. 25 | 4 p.m. GMT/12 p.m. ET/(Monday, Oct. 26)2 a.m. AEST/5 a.m. NZDT | Argentina vs. Australia | ITV (UK), Fox Sports 2 (AUS), Sky Sport 1 (NZ), SuperSport 1 (SA) |
The matches can be streamed live at ITV Player (UK), Universal Sports (U.S.), Fox Sports (AUS), Sky Go (NZ), SuperSport (SA).
South Africa vs. New Zealand
New Zealand have met all expectations and then some at the World Cup so far with some truly stunning performances.
The All Blacks saved their best performance of the tournament so far for the quarter-finals as they ran home nine tries against powerless France—their 62-13 scoreline proving an even larger margin of victory than their humiliation of no-hopers Namibia.
New Zealand have been rampant in their attack, scoring 34 tries in the tournament so far—eight more than their nearest rivals Argentina—with Julian Savea's efforts in particular standing out, per Opta Jonny:
South Africa haven't been quite as mesmerising but responded well after their shocking upset at the hands of Japan in their opening game.
The Springboks have only won one of their last five meetings against New Zealand, but what will prove encouraging is that the last three clashes have all been close scorelines with no more than seven points between the teams.
If they can keep it close until the final quarter, South Africa will be greatly buoyed and could snatch a narrow win over their illustrious opponents.
However, with New Zealand in such impeccable form, it could just as easily be over as a contest by half-time.
Argentina vs. Australia
More likely to be a closer contest is Argentina's clash with Australia.
The Australians only just overcame Scotland in their incredible quarter-final thanks to a questionable penalty decision at the death, but have looked strong throughout the tournament and showed their credentials in the group stage with wins over England and Wales.
Argentina have looked exceptional after defeat to the All Blacks in their opener, scoring 194 points in their four matches since.
According to the tournament's official website, the Pumas have made the most metres and offloads by some distance, while fly-half Nicolas Sanchez is the leading points scorer still in the competition with 74.
Rugby journalist Simon Thomas reserved praise for Argentina's impressive backs:
The Wallabies have won their last four meetings with Argentina though, including a comprehensive 34-9 thrashing in Mendoza earlier in 2015.
Australia's strong defence should ensure a close contest with the match likely to be decided on much finer margins than their last encounter.
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