Rugby World Cup Schedule 2015: Semi-Final Fixtures, Live Stream Info, Picks
The stage is set for another barnstorming weekend of 2015 Rugby World Cup action as the final four face off for the two semi-final clashes at Twickenham Stadium.
After a thrilling set of quarter-finals, Saturday will see New Zealand take on South Africa, with both teams aiming for their third World Cup triumph.
Australia are similarly aiming to get one step closer to a third title, but they have an inspired Argentina side standing in their way.
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Read on for a full examination of both matches along with scheduling and live streaming information, as well as predictions for who will advance to the final from the last-four fixtures.
| Date | Time | Fixture | Predicted Winner |
| Saturday, Oct. 24 | 4 p.m. BST/11 a.m. ET | South Africa vs. New Zealand | New Zealand |
| Sunday, Oct. 25 | 4 p.m. GMT/12 p.m. ET | Argentina v Australia | Australia |
Live Stream (TV Info): ITV Player (UK, ITV), Universal Sports (US), Fox Sports (AUS, Fox Sports 2), Sky Go (NZ, Sky Sport 1), SuperSport (SA, SuperSport 1)
South Africa vs. New Zealand
The All Blacks looked unstoppable against France in the quarter-finals. Their 62-13 drubbing of Les Bleus was quite incredible, and they are deservedly favourites to win the World Cup.
South Africa will have to stop the Kiwis if they want a shot at winning the tournament and want to earn a place in the final.
Springboks coach Heyneke Meyer is aware of the mammoth task that faces his team, but he has called for something special in west London on Saturday, per Press Association's Nick Purewal (via MailOnline):
"We know this must be our best performance probably ever to beat them, because I do believe they are the best team ever to play the game. In saying that, you have to believe you can beat them. We know we have to be at our best."
However, it is far from guaranteed that South Africa will be at their best. They endured a gruelling clash last weekend against Wales in a match that went right down to the wire.
South Africa's star man Bryan Habana was kept quiet against the Welsh, but he needs to be at his astounding best if the All Blacks are to be downed.
As if the winger needed any more motivation than reaching a World Cup final, Habana is just a try away from eclipsing Jonah Lomu's World Cup scoring record, per the Rugby World Cup:
But even if Habana has the game of his life, even if the Springboks produce their best performance, they could still lose.
The quality in the New Zealand side is scary. Their immense forwards—Kieran Read, Richie McCaw, Sam Whitelock—are matched only by their stunning back line, which includes Ma'a Nonu, Dan Carter, Ben Smith and Julian Savea.
On form, the All Blacks are all but unbeatable, and after their crushing of France they certainly look set for a final spot.
Predicted Winner: New Zealand
Argentina vs. Australia
Australia were widely expected to cruise past Scotland in their quarter-final, while many picked Ireland to beat Argentina at the last-eight stage.
As it happened, Argentina were phenomenal in beating the Irish 43-20, and the Wallabies edged the Scots by only a point.
The Aussies were given a reality check last Sunday, and they will know not to underestimate the Pumas.
They have been given a huge boost in the returns to David Pocock and Israel Folau to the starting XV after injury, per BBC Sport.
However, Argentina also welcome back Marcelo Bosch after his one-week ban, per Rugby World:
The Argentines have gone from strength to strength since they joined the Rugby Championship and it has shown at this World Cup.
They know that they can beat the Aussies having downed them in October 2014, but the most recent clash between the two sides—in July—saw the Wallabies prevail 34-9.
Momentum is a vital commodity in sport, and Argentina have it in spades as they have improved throughout the tournament.
Australia, on the other hand, had theirs somewhat halted by Scotland as they laboured, having looked irresistible in the group stages.
But the returning players could be vital for the Wallabies, as Pocock brings a huge amount at the breakdown, and Folau's creativity is invaluable in the back line.
It is likely to be a mightily close encounter, but the Aussies look to have the edge in terms of quality.
Predicted Winner: Australia
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