New Zealand storm into Rugby World Cup final after dominant win over Argentina

20 October 2023 , 20:52

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New Zealand are into the Rugby World Cup final

New Zealand are into another Rugby World Cup final after Will Jordan scored a hat-trick in their dominant win over Argentina at the Stade de France.

The All Blacks, who have been relentless since their opening night defeat to France, took the lead early on through Jordan and never looked back against the Pumas, who struggled to live with their opponents' intensity as they ran in seven tries in a 44-6 win.

It took a monumental performance to see off Ireland six days ago and the All Blacks showed no sign of complacency as they took a 20-6 lead into the interval thanks to tries from Jordan, Jordie Barrett and Shannon Frizell, who scored with the clock in the red.

Argentina only had two Emiliano Boffelli penalties to show for their efforts. Ian Foster will now have one final 80 minutes as the All Blacks coach with his contract expiring when the World Cup ends, but he could go out on an ultimate high next Saturday.

Aaron Smith and Frizell both crossed the whitewash in the second-half as the three-time world champions continued their dominance in the French capital. Argentina had twice beaten New Zealand in recent years, but there was no real threat of lightning striking for a third time.

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Will Jordan scored just the third semi-final treble in history

Smith's try came within 120 seconds of the restart as the scrum-half was able to waltz through the Argentina defence before showing and going to score. Jordan add his second and New Zealand's sixth as their dominant display continued with Foster ringing the changes in preparation of next week's final.

A late yellow card to Scott Barrett did little to take the shine of their emphatic win and their defence remained solid despite them lacking a man. Jordan completed his treble, running 80 metres and finishing with a delightful chip and chase. The All Blacks now have the chance to win a fourth World Cup following victories in 1987, 2011 and 2015.

Samuel Meade