Argentina has never played in a rugby World Cup final. A feat that could be crossed off this Friday from the list of historic goals for Los Pumas, thanks to the first semi-finals of the 2023 Rugby World Cup that will be hosted by the Saint-Denis Stadium in Paris. Their opponent will be none other than New Zealand, the most successful team in the tournament along with South Africa. The All Blacks have won the World Cup three times (1987, 2011 and 2015) and want to try to play metal again this year in what would be their fifth participation in a World Cup final.
"We know how physical they are, especially the forwards. They run a lot, they scrum hard and they drive a lot. Everything is based on physicality and winning those battles," said New Zealand fullback Beauden Barrett, regarding the virtues of the Albiceleste team that He is on the verge of the big game for the third time.
Regarding the physical plot, it is worth highlighting the name of Marcos Kremer The Woodcutter of Concordia. The Argentine player, 2.00 meters tall and weighing 116 kg, promises an exciting duel alongside the Crusaders' New Zealand second line, Sam Whitelock (2.03 meters; 120 kg), the player with the most caps for New Zealand ( 151).
The coach of the three-time world champion, Ian Foster, who also recovers winger Mark Tele'a for the cause, described the match as "life or death" against the Argentines and clarified that it will be necessary to "improve our performance" if he wants to win. the victory.
To this end, Michael Cheika, Argentina's Australian coach, foresees only one change with respect to those chosen in the quarterfinals against Wales: the veteran Tomás Cubelli will leave his place to Gonzalo Bertranou. "You have never heard us say that we are favorites. The stage is getting bigger at this point in the tournament and you have to grow your game. That is our main objective," added Cheika, who will be doubly motivated.
The Pumas began their journey with a defeat against England (27-10) in the group stage. Their next rival did the same against the host France (27-13). The KO against the English has been the only setback so far for the Argentines. The solvency and toughness shown in the game has allowed the South Americans to advance through the rounds, despite encountering the softest part of the draw.
Argentina has touched glory against New Zealand on two occasions. They did it in 2020 and 2022: the only two times they have achieved it in their 36 matches. However, the All Blacks won their last two matches against the Albicelestes in the Rugby Championship. Argentina will take advantage of both its past victories and defeats against the Oceanic team to transfer this experience and learning to the field of play: "It cannot be said that we can do it for one game, because there are others in which we have not done it," highlighted coach Cheika. .
"It's about understanding what is needed, what we have to do. This is how you grow: from taking those experiences and running with them, from taking advantage of all the successes and failures you have had along the way," he justified.
