Rugby World Cup semi-final predictions: England v South Africa closer than expected

England will seek revenge for their defeat in the 2019 World Cup final. Photo: Andrew Bowers/Action Images

England, South Africa, Argentina and New Zealand are one win away from a place in the 2023 Rugby World Cup finals.

Los Pumas will take on the All Blacks in first semi-final this Friday night before Steve Borthwick's men take on the Springboks. Saturday

Borthwick deployed England's own 'bomb squad' against the Boks as they look to dethrone the pre-tournament favorites. But will it make any difference? Here we predict who will emerge victorious and advance to the finals.

Argentina vs New ZealandKey Battle: Standard The All Blacks have the best squad in the tournament. Photo: Themba Hadebe/AP

New Zealand's standard at this tournament was impeccable; Argentina, unfortunately, did not — although there were improvements against Wales. The Cougars' fight looked tighter and their lineup was solid, but it will have to step up to another level in their last four clash in Paris on Friday.

The All Blacks have the best squad. in the tournament; with their four-man variety in particular superb in terms of timing and accuracy against Ireland. Their attacking scrums were also impeccable, and their accuracy in the free was such that they never had to defend against an Irish scrum during the entire match.

To avoid any chance of defeat, Argentina must enter New Zealand from a set piece to ruin their outcome. Becoming a world scrum champion in six days is unrealistic for the Pumas but Michael Cheika, in the absence of Pablo Matera, might be tempted to play Guido Petti — nominally a blocker but an occasional flanker — in the back row. but instead settled on a selection that beat Wales.

Prediction

If they don't have a day off, the All Blacks should win at a canter. New Zealand for 15 years.