World Cup Semi Finals - The Review

Gearing up to its climax, the rugby World Cup gifted the sporting world with two pulsating semi final clashes last weekend, as South Africa did battle with New Zealand and Argentina squared up to Australia. Total Sport takes a look back over the best of the action.

The Semi Finals

From 20 teams, four were left standing as the semi finals saw the nations of South Africa, New Zealand, Argentina and Australia lock horns to determine who would book their place in the final on October 31st.

In what served up one of the most most-watering ties of the tournament to date, South Africa met the All Blacks in front of 80,090 people at Twickenham, in a southern hemisphere bout between two of the sport's true heavy weights. 

Brave and courageous, the South Africans rattled their opponents early on by their physicality in the tackle, Eben Etzebeth and Francois Louw providing brawn and industry in equal measure. New Zealand however, were able to score two tries as full-back Ben Smith produced an inspired evening of fine form, despite difficult conditions. Fly-half Dan Carter notched a vital goal kick when his side were down to 14 men in the second half, and the All Blacks took the ascendancy thereafter. 

(Stats via Opta, infographic via The Telegraph)

In the weekend's second semi-final, Argentina's hosting of Australia at Twickenham was the trigger of many a debate. Though the Wallabies were favourites, Argentina's World Cup form gave reason to expect an upset could be on the cards. The Pumas battled valiantly at Twickenham, but a hat-trick from the Wallaby wing Adam Ashley-Cooper extinguished their burning flame. The Aussie's main man and number eight David Pocock became the boss of the breakdown, thwarting the Pumas at every opportunity and restoring the balance in favour of his side. Wave after wave of blue-and-white bore down on Australia as the tie raced to a finish, but each time the Wallabies resisted. Drew Mitchell's piercing break with eight minutes to go took him past five defenders before finding the waiting Ashley-Cooper. Crossing the ball over the lines, Argentina's hopes were pierced, setting up an Australia - All Blacks finale. 

(Stats via Opta, infograph via The Telegraph)

The Big Talking Point

The main object of discussion for the majority of rugby fanatics, understandably, was the final itself. It may come as no shock to many, but that does not make the New Zealand vs Australia final any less enticing. Of the last five encounters between the sides, the All Blacks have taken three victories to Australia's one, with their meeting in August 2014 sealed as a 14-14 tie. Each time the sides take to the field it is always an even encounter, guaranteed.

Bath Player Watch

South Africa vs New Zealand - Despite being on the losing side, Bath's Francois Louw was in magestic form throughout the 80 minutes at Twickenham. Louw was a menace for the All Blacks to deal with in the latter stage, making pivotal interceptions and generally covering every available blade of grass. For his troubles he received a cut in the challenge, truly giving a literal take on the idiom blood, sweat and tears. 

Argentina vs Australia - Bath's Horacio Agulla did not feature against the Wallabies, but will still be feeling the elimination just as much as his comrades. The Pumas were able to call upon the returning Marcelo Bosch, who stood as the defensive leader and main instigator of his side's battle cry. The Saracens centre also ran some fine lines in attack on his return from suspension and was bitterly unlucky to be on the losing side.

Around the RWC

Many decorated names of the game were quick to have their say on social media following the tournament's semi-final clashes. We took a look at some of the best of what the Twitter platform had to offer...

Congratulations @AllBlacks for a big performance! @DanCarter well deserved place in the final mate and nice drop goal too.

— Jonny Wilkinson (@JonnyWilkinson) October 24, 2015

Massively spirited South Africa performance which almost did it. Respect to you all for a great journey. It's been great watching you play!

— Jonny Wilkinson (@JonnyWilkinson) October 24, 2015

20 minutes in, McCaw takes a tight line and clips the famous Louw corner. https://t.co/OGRyrBDB25

— Andy McGeady (@andymcgeady) October 24, 2015

Thanks for all the support. Boks were awesome tonight but so happy to reach the final! #allblackeverything pic.twitter.com/oh41kwsc5N

— Dan Carter (@DanCarter) October 24, 2015

It's a heartbreaking moment for #ARG coach Daniel Hourcade after his side's brilliant showing at #RWC2015 https://t.co/Y9SNOg4pW8

— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) October 25, 2015

A giant congratulations from #NZL Prime Minister John Key to @AllBlacks' Sam Whitelock on advancing to the #RWCFinal pic.twitter.com/I9e2WZ0Uvv

— Getty Images Sport (@GettySport) October 26, 2015