These two matches offer, on Saturday, the first two tickets for the semi-finals of the Rugby World Cup.
The group stage of the Rugby World Cup having concluded, it is now time for the knockout matches. The first quarter-finals will be played on Saturday October 14, with two great matches on the program. Wales faces Argentina for an indecisive duel. Ireland, undefeated since the start of the World Cup, challenges New Zealand, second in Group A behind France. The two winners of these matches will meet on Friday October 20 at the Stade de France for the first semi-final of the World Cup.
5 p.m.: Wales-Argentina (France 2 and france.tv)
A very uncertain duel. Two teams close to each other face each other at the Vélodrome stadium in Marseille. Wales against Argentina, the first of group C against the second of group D. Undefeated during the first round, the Leek XV made a strong impression, notably during the large victory against Australia (40 -6). The Argentine Pumas have gained momentum since their inaugural defeat against England (10-27). They obtained their ticket for the quarterfinals after their victory against Japan last Sunday (39-27), during a meeting that looked like a round of 16.
Argentina will be deprived of third row Pablo Matera, victim of a “grade 3 tear to right hamstring”, as the South American selection confided on its social networks. The Welsh will recover Liam Williams, affected during the match against Georgia, holder against Argentina. Gareth Anscombe, injured in the warm-up against Georgia, is absent from the match sheet, as is third row Taulupe Faletau, out until the end of the tournament after breaking his arm against Georgia.
9 p.m.: Ireland-New Zealand (TF1)
The poster of the day. The world’s leading nation in the World Rugby rankings, Ireland challenges the All Blacks at the Stade de France. The XV du Trèfle had a perfect campaign in the group stage, with four successes in as many matches, including the shock against the reigning South African world champions. New Zealand had a bad start to their competition with a defeat against the French XV (27-13), but they gained momentum throughout the matches to reach the quarters.
Once announced withdrawals, the two Irish wingers Mack Hansen and James Lowe will be present to challenge the All Blacks. Irish coach Andy Farrell started on the same basis as against Scotland, with a typical team lined up. On the bench, he made two changes, with the appearance of the inexperienced Jimmy O’Brien (seven caps) and the second row Joe McCarthy.
The first named is appreciated for his versatility, as the Irish coach confided at a press conference. “He’s incredibly good at getting into multiple positions.”, Farrell admitted to the media. Joe McCarthy joins the group to compensate for the injury of James Ryan, injured in the hand. On the All Blacks side, Leicester Fainga’anuku starts on the left wing, in place of the injured Mark Telea. Sam Cane will captain New Zealand.