Rugby World Cup 2015: Semi-finals - what you need to know

Name: All Blacks: Refs and Springbok semi-final
Uploaded: 2015-10-20T08:42:29+13:00
Duration: 274 s
Description: Gregor Paul and Patrick McKendry give their opinions on refereeing at the Rugby World Cup and of course the Scottish debacle, and look ahead to what the Springbok team will throw at the All Blacks in the 'do or die' semi-final Sunday morning.

NZ Herald

22 Oct, 2015 05:20 AM3 mins to read

Gregor Paul and Patrick McKendry give their opinions on refereeing at the Rugby World Cup and of course the Scottish debacle, and look ahead to what the Springbok team will throw at the All Blacks in the 'do or die' semi-final Sunday morning.

As the Rugby World Cup 2015 semi-finals rapidly approach, we've gathered up all the vital information you need to know before settling in to cheer on the All Blacks.

All Blacks v South Africa

Twickenham Stadium, Sunday 4am

The All Blacks and the Boks have only clashed three times before at a Rugby World Cup - and South Africa have won twice, but it's been close both times. But no side has defeated the All Blacks three times at a World Cup.

Overall, the two sides have played against each other 90 times since 1921. The All Blacks have come out on top 52 times to South Africa's 35, with 3 games drawn.

How to watch:

Sky TV and Prime will be screening the semi-final live to air, with coverage starting at 3am on Sunday.

Who's playing:

While the All Blacks line-up is yet to be announced, South Africa have named an unchanged side for this weekends' semi-final. Veteran lock Victor Matfield has been recalled the the bench, while Lood de Jager has overcome a foot injury to start. Hooker Bismarck du Plessis is also playing, despite a hand wound sustained in their quarter-final match against Wales.

French ref Jerome Garces will take charge of the game.

South Africa: Tendai Mtawarira, Bismarck du Plessis, Frans Malherbe, Eben Etzebeth, Lood de Jager, Francois Louw, Schalk Burger, Duane Vermeulen, Fourie du Preez (captain), Handre Pollard, Bryan Habana, Damian de Allende, Jesse Kriel, JP Pietersen, Willie le Roux.

Reserves: Adriaan Strauss, Trevor Nyakane, Jannie du Plessis, Victor Matfield, Willem Alberts, Ruan Pienaar, Pat Lambie, Jan Serfontein.

Odds:

The TAB has the odds in the All Blacks favour, with a win for New Zealand paying out at $1.25 and a win for the Boks at $3.70.

Australia v Argentina

Twickenham Stadium, 5am Monday

Australia and Argentina have played against each other since 1979, with the Wallabies dominating overall. The two sides have met 24 times, with Australia winning 18, Argentina five and one match drawn.

Los Pumas last beat the Wallabies during the 2014 Rugby Championship, with a score of 24-17.

How to watch:

Sky TV will be screening the semi-final live with coverage starting at 4:45am, while Prime will be showing the game delayed, starting at 6.30am.

Who's playing:

While neither side has announced their line-up, young Wallaby prop Scott Sio is still recovering from an injury that saw him leaving the field with his arm in the sling in the second half of Australia's win over Scotland. It's hoped that he will recover in time for the semi-final, as the scrum will need to be up to scratch against the Pumas pack - who are known for their performance in the scrum.

Star player David Pocock and Israel Folou are also recovering from injuries, but it's expected they will ready for the semi-final on Monday.

Wayne Barnes will referee the match.

Odds:

The TAB are paying out $1.42 for favourites Australia to win and $2.70 for Argentina.

- nzherald.co.nz