After the gripping quarter-final spectacles, it would seem that the semi-final winners are pre-ordained...or are they?
We tipped the juicy $2.35 about the All Blacks beating Ireland last weekend and the England win by 1-12 points over Fiji at $2.38. We had Argentina as a $3.75 winner too until they kicked a penalty goal on full-time to fall outside the 1-10 winning margin.
What’s in store in the semi-finals?
2023 Rugby World Cup Semi-Finals Betting Tips
New Zealand v Argentina
Saturday, Oct 21 Stade de France, Paris 6am (AEDT)
The Kiwi victory over Ireland was all class with moments of brilliance everywhere, both individual and team-orientated. To have the discipline to defend for more than 30 phases on full-time without conceding a penalty was superb from the team. Equally, centre Jordie Barrett holding up an Irishman over the line to prevent a try was crucial.
You’d say the All Blacks are past-the-post winners except for events of the past few seasons. The Argentinians upset the All Blacks in Sydney (2020) and Christchurch (2022).
Those victories have instilled enormous confidence that the All Blacks are beatable, especially with seven survivors from the Pumas’ 2015 World Cup semi-final side still involved.
Huge, smothering defence, strong forward play, great spirit and being able to take scoring chances when they appear were keys on both upset occasions.
Sports bookies can’t see it happening again with the line set at 18.5 points.
The All Blacks do have great scorepower and welcome back winger Mark Telea into the starting side.
In a World Cup semi-final, take the start with Argentina. Also, Argentinian hooker Julian Montoya is $4 to score an Anytime Try which is a good bet with the rolling maul and pick-and-go close to the tryline so prominent as Pumas’ weapons.
NZ winning the World Cup is at $2.10, a bet you would never have got in 2011 or 2015 at their most recent Cup-winning tournaments.
England v South Africa
Sunday, Oct 22 Stade de France, Paris 6am (AEDT)
This South African side may well be better than the 2019 version that claimed the World Cup. There is certainly more scorepower and a willingness to use it through wingers like Cheslin Kolbe.
They were incredibly smart in beating France in the quarter-finals too, charging down a conversion, calling for a scrum from a mark in their own quarter and better adapting to the refereeing interpretations of Kiwi Ben O’Keeffe at the breakdown.
Whatever you say about the Springboks, the bottom line is using their power effectively. Power and technique beat the French at scrum time. Excellent defence was thrown in too and an ability to disrupt star French halfback Antoine Dupont.
Ref O’Keeffe is noted for being a wildcard who can decide a game with a disputed call. Watch his influence on the game.
The English rely on their own forward strengths to dictate terms. The Boks will take that away.
The English have had a relatively easy run to this point with world No.7 Argentina as their top scalp in five straight wins.
The Boks have beaten hot hosts France, world No.6 Scotland and come-up short against Ireland in their advance to the semis. They have been toughened by a superior lead-up.
The entire South African pack played at the 2019 tournament which shows the weight put on continuity and experience. They will be too strong.
The Boks and England have a win apiece since the South Africans were clearcut 32-12 winners in the 2019 World Cup final.
South Africa to win but take the start with England.
