Australia and New Zealand have completed the list of the Rugby World Cup semifinalists, beating South Africa and Argentina respectively.
Australia were more successful in the first half and took an 8-3 lead into the break. However, the Wallabies found themselves one point down midway through the second half. The game was decided eight minutes from time when winger James O’Connor landed a penalty to help the Aussies beat the reigning champions and claim the intense quarterfinal 11-9.
The other quarterfinal saw hosts and the tournament’s main favorites New Zealand face Argentina. Despite the odds, the South Americans managed to limit New Zealand to two late tries courtesy of some punishing defense.
The Pumas even led in the first half when flanker Julio Farias Cabello finished a flowing backline move involving center Felipe Contepomi, who fell just short of breaking Hugo Porta’s long-standing national scoring record.
The late tries got things straightened out as the All Blacks clinched the game 33-10 and settled a semifinal against their biggest rivals Australia.
Meanwhile, Saturday’s triumphal Wales and France will decide the other finalist between themselves.