Rugby World Cup Schedule 2015: Live Stream and TV Info for Remaining Semi-Final
Argentina will be gunning for another upset when they take on Australia in the second semi-final of the Rugby World Cup 2015, with the winner advancing to take on defending champions New Zealand in the final.
The Pumas announced their arrival among the very best teams in all of rugby by dominating Six Nations champions Ireland in the quarter-finals, winning 43-20.
Everyone knew Argentina had a good team coming into the tournament, but the win over Ireland changed the perception―the Pumas aren't just good, they're genuine contenders for the title.
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Australia cruised through the group stages but were far from their best against Scotland, needing a last-minute penalty from Bernard Foley to book their spot in the semi-finals. They remain the favourites to advance to the final, but only just.
Date: Sunday, Oct. 25
Time: 4 p.m. GMT/Noon ET
Venue: Twickenham Stadium, London
Live Stream (TV Info): ITV Player (UK, ITV), Universal Sports (US), Fox Sports (AUS, Fox Sports 2)
Preview
The Wallabies know Argentina are not to be underestimated, and their respect for the Pumas has been noticeable in just about every encounter they've had with the media all week.
Playmaker Matt Giteau joked about his Toulon team-mate Juan Martinez Hernandez in a recent press conference, but his laughter soon faded, via the Guardian's Sean Ingle:
"Giteau has seen at first hand what El Mago can conjure up – but joked that he admired him for more than just his rugby skills. “He’s a beautiful man,” he said, smiling. “I’ve always told him that at Toulon.” But after the laughter had died down in Australia’s press conference Giteau got serious. “He’s very skilful, he’s tough, defensively strong and he adds a lot of stability to that team,” he added. “I know what it’s like to play with him, especially in big games, and he’s a very good player.
[…]
"They’re incredibly dangerous,” warned Giteau. “You saw what they did to Ireland and how far they pushed New Zealand in the first game. They’ve blown teams away quite easily. You can’t underestimate them. We won’t underestimate them. It just won’t happen."
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The first match Giteau references was Argentina's narrow 26-16 loss in their World Cup opener against the All Blacks. Aaron Smith and Sam Cane scored tries inside the final 20 minutes to avoid a major upset, as the Pumas had rallied from an early nine-point deficit to take the lead.
Juan Imhoff in particular made a big impression, more than holding his own against the highly athletic wings the All Blacks field. Australia rely on their ability in space just as much, and Imhoff will once again have openings to work with.
Outside-centre Marcelo Bosch will return from a suspension to gift the Pumas some more momentum, per EatSleepRugby, and all signs point to Argentina being more than ready for Sunday's huge encounter.
Australia remain the favourites, however, despite their poor showing against Scotland. Perhaps Argentina's biggest problem against the All Blacks was the massive difference in quality between their starters and bench, and the Wallabies boast one of the most impressive group of bench players in all of rugby.
The Wallabies have had two things going for them so far this tournament: super ball movement and the scrum. The latter will be tested tremendously against Argentina, who obliterated the Irish front five and will be looking to do the same against the experienced Aussies.
As far as passing is concerned, Giteau and Foley will face a real challenge when they go head-to-head with Martin Hernandez and Nicolas Sanchez. Meanwhile, Imhoff and Santiago Cordero provide plenty of pace, but so does Israel Folau, who missed the match against Scotland but is back in the team for the semi-final.
David Pocock also returns for the Wallabies to give a huge lift at the breakdown, and looking at their superb defensive fortitude in the second half against Scotland and the fact they simply have more experience at this stage of the tournament, the advantage goes to the Wallabies.
BBC's Jonathan Davies believes the Pumas have what it takes to beat Australia, but he too thinks the Aussies will come away with a narrow win:
Much will depend on how the Pumas start. In both the win against Ireland and the loss against New Zealand, Argentina were able to put some points on the board early, which allowed them to dictate the pace of the match a bit more in the second half. This in turn negated the lack of bench options, particularly against the Irish, who grew desperate in their attempts to come back.
Another quick start will be needed against the Aussies, who have the talent to put points on the board in a hurry. If Argentina can push their advantage early, they certainly have the quality required to pull off an upset and set up a rematch with the All Blacks.
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