Hello and welcome to
Sports Mole's live text coverage of the
Rugby World Cup semi-final meeting between
Argentina and Australia at Twickenham.
We already know one of next week's finalists, having seen New Zealand just about overcome South Africa in an entertaining contest this time yesterday, and now it is over to two more of this competition's heavyweights to face off in the English capital.
Japan may have won over many neutrals at this year's World Cup, but for me there has been one standout team in terms of performances - Argentina. The South American outfit brushed aside Ireland last week in a far too straightforward manner to well and truly let the remaining sides know that they are here to lift the Webb Ellis Cup.
Australia have also done extremely well so far, albeit after struggling - and being handed a huge slice of fortune - against Scotland last week. The pool phase already seems like a lifetime ago, but the Wallabies topped the group of death by beating both England and Wales so rightly deserve to be considered among the favourites.
This really should be a thrilling semi-final match, contested between two sides who will feel confident of getting the job done. We are scheduled to get underway in around 50 minutes' time, so let's check out some confirmed team news from Twickenham.
TEAM NEWS!
ARGENTINA XV: Joaquin Tuculet, Santiago Cordero, Marcelo Bosch, Juan Martin Hernandez, Juan Imhoff, Nicolas Sanchez, Martin Landajo; Marco Ayerza, Agustin Creevy, Ramiro Herrera, Guido Petti, Tomas Lavanini, Pablo Matera, Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe, Leonardo Senatore
AUSTRALIA XV: Israel Folau, Adam Ashley-cooper, Tevita Kuridrani, Matt Giteau, Drew Mitchell, Bernard Foley, Will Genia; James Slipper, Stephen Moore, Sekope Kepu, Kane Douglas, Rob Simmons, Scott Fardy, Michael Hooper, David Pocock
Michael Cheika was forced into making one change to his side, bringing James Slipper in for Scott Sio at loose-head. Israel Folau and David Pocock also return to the fold after sitting out the narrowest of wins over Scotland seven days ago, replacing Kutley Beale and Ben McCalman in the starting XV.
This Australia side contains 876 caps, making it their most experienced ever in a World Cup match, while it is also the Wallabies' second oldest lineup at 28 years and 142 days. Michael Hooper is among those to start, earning his 50th cap for this formidable side.
Drew Mitchell also starts this afternoon's match, knowing that just one more score will take him level with Jonah Lomu and Bryan Habana on 15 tries at the Rugby World Cup. Achieving that feat in a semi-final at Twickenham would certainly be some achievement, with one eye on a potential final against New Zealand also to come.
Before taking a look at Argentina's squad in some more depth, let's check in with Pascal Lemesre - inside Twickenham for us this afternoon - for the first time:
"After seven group games all over the country, I'm here at Twickenham for my first World Cup match at the home of English rugby. There were more Aussies on the train over, but once you got off all you could hear was the fervent chants of those in sky blue and white. There are tons supporting Argentina and I think most neutrals will want Los Pumas to prevail today."
Michael Hooper will earn his 50th Australia cap this afternoon when running out at Twickenham
© Getty Images
Argentina have made just the one alteration from their convincing win over Ireland last time out, with Marcelo Bosch returning from suspension to earn his place in the starting lineup. Matias Moroni is the man to make way, while Agustin Creevy has shaken off a knock to skipper his side.
The one change made by head coach
Daniel Hourcade is the fewest Argentina have made between games since the 2007 World Cup. That suggests that he is more than happy with what he witnessed last time out, which is hard to argue against after seeing Los Pumas stand up to the Irish challenge by producing another fine display.
Juan Imhoff has racked up five scores so far in the 2015 World Cup - a record for an Argentina player. His seven tries overall also leave him at the top of the board in terms of overall scorers for the South American nation. Elsewhere, Nicolas Sanchez has accumulated 74 points at this year's tournament, taking him within just four of current leader Greig Laidlaw.
DID YOU KNOW? English referee Wayne Barnes will officiate his 15th Rugby World Cup match this afternoon on home soil; one more than previous record holder Alain Rolland. This will likely be his final game, though, with Welshman Nigel Owens set to be given the nod for next week's final.
Well Australia will today be competing in their sixth semi-final, where they will be aiming to reach the showpiece final for a fourth time. They are one of two unbeaten sides left in the competition - along with New Zealand - having come through the Group of Death unscathed.
The Wallabies will be looking to make history of sorts over the next six days, with no side having previously finished third at a World Cup and gone on to win the next instalment. Their journey perhaps should have come to an end last weekend when being awarded a late penalty that never was, which crushed Scotland hearts and provided us with more than a few talking points in the process.
Argentina, on the other hand, made light work of their quarter-final as they ran in four tries against Ireland to pick up a convincing 43-20 victory at the Millennium Stadium. I was at that match in Cardiff a week ago, and it is fair to say that the atmosphere that day will take some real beating.
Los Pumas supporters are a real passionate bunch, as witnessed up close in Gloucester a few weeks ago. Tottenham Hotspur boss Mauricio Pochettino said earlier this week that rugby back in his homeland is a religion, but will Argentina's prayers be answered come 6pm this evening?
Argentina will have to rewrite some history of their own if they are to go all the way, meanwhile, in the knowledge that no side has ever lost their opening fixture and lifted the Webb Ellis Cup. In fairness to Los Pumas, they were dealt an extremely tough opener when taking on world champs New Zealand a month back.
Since then they have managed to overcome Georgia, Tonga, Namibia and Ireland. Momentum has been building just nicely in the Los Pumas camp, as they aim to go one better than 2007 and reach their first ever final. Another meeting with New Zealand will then be all that stands between themselves and a place in history.
As touched upon a little earlier, we have a reporter in place at Twickenham once more this afternoon to provide regular insightful updates throughout
Incidentally, on the subject of Michael Hooper, he will become the second-youngest player ever to reach a half-century of caps today. The youngest? Wales's George North. That is some going from the flanker, who had disciplinary issues to contend with earlier in the competition you may remember.
PREVIOUS MEETINGS! Australia have won 10 of the last 11 meetings between these two sides, showing why they are considered favourites to prevail this afternoon. They have met 24 times in all, with the Wallabies claiming 18 victories to their opponents' five.
But what about specifically at the World Cup? Well, this will be their third ever encounter at this famous competition; Australia winning both previous games. They last met in the opening fixture of the 2003 World Cup in Sydney, with Australia kicking their campaign off with a 25-8 triumph.
It is time to check in with Pascal Lemesre once more, as we enter the final 10 minutes until kickoff:
"About 10 minutes to go as the Australians head back to their changing room for a final pre-match pep talk. The stadium is almost full now and there are pockets of gold where the Aussies have congregated to cheer on the Wallabies. Can they reach the final and match New Zealand's feat of getting there four times, or will Argentina cause another upset and reach their first final?"
Right, enough talking for now - let's check out the pre-match thoughts from both camps:
Michael Cheika: "I didn't imagine we'd be in this situation but now that we're here I want to make sure I do the best possible job for this team. Nothing is given to you in this game - you've got to earn everything. We have to improve on our performance on the field and that means myself and the coaches have to improve off the pitch."
Daniel Hourcade: ""We have played for four years in the Rugby Championship and seven times against the Wallabies. That gives us greater confidence. Eight years ago we were very excited, but we rarely played against South Africa. A lot of people have worked hard and planned to establish Argentina at this level. The difficult thing is not getting here but staying here."
PREDICTION! It is that time of the afternoon where I put my neck on the line and offer a prediction. I had New Zealand to win yesterday, albeit in a more straightforward manner, and I am backing Australia to do likewise here today. Argentina really have been superb at this World Cup with their attacking play, so just maybe they can pull off another big result. Wallabies by seven.
One last stat for you prior to the anthems, which are just about to get underway at Rugby HQ:
I have been humming that Argentina anthem all week - superb! Their fans are certainly up for it, prolonging their stay in Britain by another fortnight thanks to success over Ireland last week. Now over to the Aussies...
A superb rendition of the Australian national anthem belts around Twickenham, signalling the end of the build-up and the beginning of the real matter. Eighty minutes of rugby ahead of us, but only one side can prevail. Game on!
KICKOFF! We are underway in London in the weekend's second semi-final. Time to see who will join New Zealand in next week's final.
CONVERTED TRY! ARGENTINA 0-7 (SIMMONS)
An incredibly shaky start from Los Pumas to gift Australia the lead just over a minute in. Mitchell almost found a way through after intercepting only to be halted, before Simmons picked off Sanchez's pass to this time find the whitewash. As easy as you like!
That is the earliest score in this year's competition to date, coming with just a minute on the clock.
Daniel Hourcade is devastated as he looks down on the field, but there is of course a long, long way still to go.
Let's get the thoughts of Pascal Lemesre following that early setback for Argentina:
"With the smell of fireworks still in the air, Simmons goes over for his first-ever World Cup try. What a time to do it. Exactly the start that Argentina didn't need. They can't let this get away from them."
PENALTY! ARGENTINA 3-7 AUSTRALIA (SANCHEZ)
Argentina stretch their legs for the first time, as Bosch finds a huge gap to exploit. Pocock was at fault, running out of position to open up some space, but in the end Los Pumas must settle for a penalty and the three points that come with it.
Shocking defence from Australia to allow Bosch so much space, coming after some poor Argentina handling in the opening minutes. Nerves, maybe? Either way, there is now four points between the sides.
CONVERTED TRY! ARGENTINA 3-14 AUSTRALIA (ASHLEY-COOPER)
Two tries in the opening 10 minutes, this time courtesy of Adam Ashley-Cooper down the right. From the scrum, Foley sends a lopping pass in the direction of his teammate to easily cross over. It looked simple - in many ways it was - but credit to Australia for that devastating move.
Domination from the Aussies at the moment, who are pulling their opponents one way and another to open up acres of space. Pocock wins a turnover to mount a charge, which eventually broke down 25 metres from the try-line.
The camera cuts to a seemingly drunk Diego Maradona inside Rugby HQ. The football legend's spirits remain high, but his side are certainly second best at the moment. Cordero clears his lines in a cool-as-you-like manner to relieve some pressure, giving the Argies a quick breather.
After a break in play for Pocock to receive treatment to a facial injury, Argentina look a little closer to the side we have come to love. Cordero is tackled by Moore, though, allowing Australia to mount another charge.
Imhoff, who has five tries to his name in this year's competition, leaves the field for a brief head assessment. They will need him back if they are to overturn this 11-point deficit.
More from Pascal Lemesre now, as Argentina look to recover from a shaky opening:
"A huge roar from all corners of the stadium as Argentina win the penalty there. They had an extremely nervy start, but are beginning to come into this now. Defensively they look much sharper than that shambles of a first 10 minutes. However, that's a blow losing Imhoff, who had scored five tries this tournament."
Rob Simmons celebrates scoring the opening try of the contest, which Adam Ashley-Cooper soon added to
© Getty Images
It has been all very slow over the past few minutes. Not a great deal happening, with Australia penalised for collapsing at the scrum. Argentina much improved since those shaky opening 12 minutes or so, but still a lot of work to do in an attacking sense.
PENALTY! ARGENTINA 6-14 AUSTRALIA (SANCHEZ)
That error at the scrum is punished by Sanchez, who kicks over from just outside the 22 to become the tournament's leading points scorer.
YELLOW CARD! Wayne Barnes crosses over to TMO, leading to another break in play, to determine whether Lavanini deserves a 10-minute spell off the pitch. His dangerous tackle was indeed deemed worthy of a yellow, so Argentina's task has just become even tougher.
Creevy, an injury doubt today, has been limping around for a while now and his participation in this semi-final is over. Montoya is the man on in his place, as Australia look to make the most of a scrum around 25 yards from the Argentina line.
TRY! ARGENTINA 6-19 AUSTRALIA (ASHLEY-COOPER)
The Australia pressure tells, with Ashley-Cooper helping himself to a second try. The ball was recycled well after Folau was hauled down and this time worked out to the left. Giteau was the man who played the telling pass, gifting his teammate what could be a decisive score. No extras on this occasion, but the gap looks big enough at this stage.
Argentina, still down to 14 men, must show some real character over these next seven minutes or so. A route back into the game is unlikely, but they can look to keep things tight and maybe win the odd pen.
PENALTY! ARGENTINA 9-19 AUSTRALIA (SANCHEZ)
Australia will not be happy with the concession of another penalty, the latest one coming after Kepu was penalised for an offside infringement. The gap is now down a respectable 10 points thanks to Sanchez's kicking, meaning Los Pumas need that one big try to get themselves right back in it.
Argentina looking to find some gaps now that they are back to full strength, yet there is now way through this stubborn Australia backline. Confirmation that Imhoff will not be returning to the field following his knock.
What a huge moment in this match, right on the brink of the interval. Cordezo breaks into the 22 on the back of an impressive move, before offloading to Hernandez. The subsequent offload is weak, though, and Tuculet knocks it on to end Los Pumas' best moment of the match so far.
HALF TIME: ARGENTINA 9-19 AUSTRALIA
The half-time whistle sounds at Twickenham, and it is Australia who are in the driving seat at the midway stage. Two tries inside the opening 10 minutes, including one a little over 60 seconds in, left Argentina with it all to do.
Argentina have very much been relying on penalties to keep slim hopes of a comeback alive, even after seeing Lavanini sent to the sin-bin. Ashley-Cooper profited from the man advantage to add his second score of the evening 10 minutes before the interval, yet the gap remains at just 10 points despite the Aussies' relative dominance.
Argentina left their best attacking move until the end of the half to provide some more hope, too, with a weak offload eventually costing them what looked to be a certain try at the end. Still a lot to play for in the second half, then, with a place in next week's final up for grabs.
Pascal Lemesre, whose in-depth half time report from Twickenham can be found by
clicking here, had this to say on the first-half action:
"Considering Australia went over three times and had a man more for 10 minutes, Argentina will probably be happy to only be 10 down at the interval. It's a mountain to climb if they are to overcome the Wallabies, but it feels like it could be worse. Had they scored right at the end of the half there, it would have been a huge lift."
Adam Ashley-Cooper scores his second and Australia's third to put the Wallabies on their way to next week's Twickenham final
© Getty Images
RESTART! We are back underway in London, with Australia on the verge of sealing a fifth-successive Saturday fixture at Twickenham. This has become their adopted home over the past month or so.
MISSED PENALTY!
Just like in the first half, Australia start the second on top but miss out on the chance to add three more points to their total. Argentina were punished for going off their feet, but Foley drills it wide from 45 metres out once again.
Argentina's casualty list is growing at a worrying rate. Hernandez is the latest to limp off - injury number three of the evening - with De La Fuente on in his place. Argentina are going back to basics now in the hunt for a maiden try.
PENALTY! ARGENTINA 12-19 AUSTRALIA (SANCHEZ)
A few minutes after seeing Australia squander a penalty, Sanchez maintains his impressive kicking rate by slotting over another. Slipper was the man to fold at the scrum, and incredibly there is just a converted try in this.
Beale on for Giteau now as the Aussies change things around a little. Before that alteration, Lobbe went off his feet on his own 10-metre line to give the Wallabies a second penalty of the half.
PENALTY! ARGENTINA 12-22 AUSTRALIA (FOLEY)
Foley has missed his last two kicks, so there was a little pressure on this latest attempt from a more central position. No mistake on this occasion, though, coolly slotting over to give his side the breathing space that they deserve.
Another Argentina change, as Senatore is replaced by Isa. A little stop-start this half, with a pen apiece making up the scoring so far. Los Pumas now on the charge, looking to stretch their opponents as they go from left to right and back again.
The move breaks down when the ball goes loose, allowing Australia to punt up field. Los Pumas will come again...
Tuculet the latest to burst through to no avail. Argentina enjoying their best spell, but Australia giving nothing away at the moment. Penalties appear to be Los Pumas' only hope.
Kuridrani goes over the top to give Sanchez another kick at the sticks. The three points were there, but Argentina - knowing time is now against them - go for the corner.
PENALTY! ARGENTINA 15-22 AUSTRALIA (SANCHEZ)
Collapsing at the maul costs Australia once more. This time Sanchez opts to slot one over from a more presentable range. Seven points the gap.
Let's hear from Pascal Lemesre, in place at Twickenham for us this evening, for the first time this half:
"Sanchez's kicking has been excellent, but he's also been Los Pumas' star man breaking the line with some darting runs. The next try is absolutely vital - if Australia get it, you feel that Argentina won't have enough time, but if the Pumas get it we're going to be all square!"
A very nice move from Australia comes to a disappointing end. Beale chips one over for Foley to gather as the Wallabies probe away, but the pass out to Ashley-Cooper bounces and is eventually knocked on.
A fourth scrum penalty against Australia allows Argentina to kick into touch. A little chance for both sides to catch their breath over these last couple of minutes, ahead of a massive 20 minutes ahead. Maradona cannot bare to watch in the stands, covering his face with a flag.
Foley attempts a Dan Carer but boots short and wide of the target from his drop-goal attempt. More changes taking place, meanwhile, as Fardy enters the fray.
Adam Ashley-Cooper celebrates what could be the decisive third try at the end of the first half. Seven points between the sides heading into the final 15 minutes, so still plenty of time for Los Pumas to cross over for a maiden score.
© Getty Images
Just about Argentina's best prolonged spell of the half culminates in Amorosino and Tuculet making plenty of ground, but not being able to close within five metres of the tryline. Australia win a ninth turnover of the match to relive the pressure.
Really good defence from Australia to end that promising Argentina attack. Los Pumas had five on two at one stage, but did not make the most of the try-scoring chance. An exchange of kicks ends in Australia earning a penalty to push on again.
Australia opt to go for touch with the posts a little out of range. The move comes to little after Bosch went in hard on Hooper, allowing Sanchez to clear away. Momentum with the Wallabies heading into the final 10 minutes.
Argentina have scored tries for fun in this competition to date, but there really is no way through the Australia backline. Cordero drives through in an attempt to rectify that, before seeing Cubelli halted by hard-hitting Pocock.
It remains on a knife-edge at Twickenham but, as Pascal Lemesre points out, it is proving an impossible task breaking down Australia:
"Into the final 10 minutes then and you just wonder if Argentina have got enough in the tank to muster one last attack. They've huffed and puffed in this second half, but very much like Wales in the Pool A fixture earlier in the tournament, they just can't find a way through the Wallabies' backline."
CONVERTED TRY! ARGENTINA 15-29 AUSTRALIA (ASHLEY-COOPER)
A wonderful Australia score to seal this semi-final win. It was all about the work of Drew Mitchell, who waltzed his way through a number of challenges before unselfishly offloading to Ashley-Cooper to touch down for an easy hat-trick try.
Australia knock the ball on at the restart providing Argentina with another chance to plug away once more. There is far less pressure on the Wallabies now, though, and they look comfortable in a defensive sense. A very composed showing.
Argentina did incredibly well to keep within touching distance of their opponents pretty much throughout this game, despite conceding three tries. It was that fourth score of the evening from Ashley-Cooper which has well and truly sealed things, though. All about game management for the Aussies now.
A minute left on the clock yet still Argentina believe that they can at least pull back a consolation try. They have been superb throughout this tournament and deserve a late score to show for their efforts.
There is to be no grandstand finish at Twickenham, as we are now into the red and Australia are therefore into the final. Real disappointment for Los Pumas, who really have given everything over the past five weeks.
FULL TIME: ARGENTINA 15-29 AUSTRALIA
Heartbreaking for Daniel Hourcade and his side, with the coach in tears from his position in the stands. Argentina just could not match the efficiency levels witnessed against Ireland last week in particular. Australia remained defensively resilient throughout, just like they did against Wales, and it is they who will now meet New Zealand in next week's final.
Adam Ashley-Cooper can now add a World Cup semi-final hat-trick to his CV, but this was all about the team who produced a very professional showing. Los Pumas somehow remained within a converted try of their opponents for large parts of the second half, but their hopes of reaching a first final were finally killed off in the closing seven minutes.
Time to get the thoughts of Pascal Lemesre for one last time this evening:
"It'll be Australia vs. New Zealand for the first time in a World Cup final next Saturday then. Huge credit must go to Argentina for trying right until the last whistle, but this Australian defence is just so tough to break down. Stay tuned for plenty more reaction from Twickenham in the next couple of hours."
So there we have it - a World Cup final contested between Australia and New Zealand for the first time ever. We will be bringing you action of that six days from now, as well as the third-place playoff on Friday, so be sure to join us for that. Before then there is plenty of exclusive reaction to come from Twickenham across the next few hours. Thanks for joining!
