South Africa 37 Argentina 13
View photosKEY POINTS:
The Springboks take an unbeaten run into the World Cup final; England, a sack full of horror memories of their pool meeting at the same Stade de France venue a month ago.
After a week of shock playoff results, the Springboks brought some normality into the tailend of the tournament as they eased to a semifinal victory against a spluttering Argentina.
The Pumas' World Cup dreams blew up in their faces as they coughed up two intercept tries, struggled with a misfiring lineout and shed chunks of the composure which had held them through their five other matches.
Their frustration was underlined by some silly late push and shove stuff which had midfielder Felipe Contepomi sinbinned by New Zealand referee Steve Walsh.
It was a tacky end to a match which had more action in the first quarter than England and France brought in their semifinal the night before.
But some of that adventure hurt the Pumas when Fourie du Preez intercepted Contepomi's pass and streaked 60m for the opening try.
It was the sort of early bonus England grabbed the night before and the Springboks never released their lead. They had drawn away to a 24-6 lead at the interval after the Springboks punished two late turnovers.
Bryan Habana produced his chip, chase and regather special from one and Danie Rossouw cantered over after Juan Martin Hernandez spilled a pass in his 22.
By then the Springboks' ability across the field and the pressure they exerted in the lineout were too lethal for the Pumas. Their scrum had an edge, they mauled strongly but had little success elsewhere.
Those who believed in omens saw South African Ernie Els' victory in the World Matchplay at Wentworth against Argentine Angel Cabrera as a sign for the semifinal some hours later in Paris.
The Springboks pinched six lineouts and with Bakkies Botha, the imperious Victor Matfield, Juan Smith, Schalk Burger and Danie Rossouw all lineout targets, they will provide England with headaches next week.
Loose forward Burger boomed around the collision area where some of his flying missile entries are likely to gain the attention of referee Alain Rolland and the grisly England pack.
Burger has little concern for his safety but some of his charges might warrant closer inspection from match officials. What is certain is that he and his comrades will relish the collision area where England have resurrected their game.
And while the Bok lineout is supreme, it does seem that captain and hooker John Smit, sometimes cribs a half pace towards his rivals so his throw just fades down the line of his jumpers.
England will fancy their scrum against a Springbok unit which is efficient but not dangerous. It was the only area of their pool game where England had an advantage, three tightheads was three more points than they managed.
After that match a month ago, England were slaughtered on and off the field, pounded 36-0 by the Springboks and written off by even their most zealous cheerleaders.
Somehow they must overcome their conquerors next weekend if they are to collect an unprecedented successive World Cup title.
After watching England win two playoff tests they had no right to win, it would be folly to dismiss their chances but it also seems difficult to believe they can triumph against such a hard-headed Springbok side.
They have some limitations around Butch James and Francois Steyn but England look devoid of the talent to exploit those flaws. Percy Montgomery and JP Pietersen will get the Jonny aerial bombardment inquisition but last night they were solid and will punish Wilkinson if his tactical kicking mirrors some of his semifinal work.
The Boks also have Habana, who added another late 80m intercept to equal Jonah Lomu's eight tries in a tournament record, he just has to hover near the ball and England will think thrice about sending the ball wide.
The packs will crunch up, hostilities should be tasty and one piece of indiscipline could sway the final.
The Springboks also have "impact" coach Eddie Jones, who was hired before the tournament. Whether it is his influence, a different voice or his analytical nous is unclear but there is a tighter, more defined aspect to the Boks, they seem to be in a very strong zone.
