New Zealand vs Argentina
The first semi final of the 2023 World Cup sees three-time champions New Zealand take on Argentina at the Stade de France. The All Blacks surprised many when they beat the then number one ranked Ireland in the quarter finals. The match is being widely regarded as one of the best quarter finals in the tournament’s history.
The Pumas were also the underdogs heading into their quarter final against Wales but it was the experience of veterans Nicolas Sanchez and Agustín Creevy that got them through to victory. The Pumas are rank underdogs but it won’t bother them much as they will take heart from beating the All Blacks twice in the last three years.
TIP: Both teams have unsurprisingly kept changes to a minimum with New Zealand recalling Mark Telea and Sam Whitelock who come in for Leicester Fainga’anuku and veteran Brodie Retallick respectively. On the bench Samisoni Taukei’aho comes in for Dan Cole. The Pumas have rotated their nines with Gonzalo Bertranou coming in for Tomas Cubelli. The match will be decided in the forwards and this is where the All Blacks seem to have the edge. The bookies have New Zealand as favorites and I’m also tipping them for the win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Betway 1.08, Gbets 1.08 and Hollywoodbets 1.07
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATS
New Zealand vs Argentina
- New Zealand have won four of the last five matches against Argentina.
- Argentina’s only two ever victories against New Zealand have come in the last three years
Latest results for both teams
New Zealand beat Ireland 28-24 in the quarter finals while Argentina beat Wales 29-17 in their last match.
PREDICTION
The All Blacks played arguably their best game in many years as they saw off the challenge of the Irish. There were many heroes for them but Captain Sam Cane and Ardie Savea were immense in the pack while Jordie Barrett showed nerves of steel when he kicked a late penalty and saved a certain Irish try late in the game. The Pumas will be hoping the match is a close affair heading into the last quarter as they have experienced players that they can call on deep in the match. Both teams have excellent goal kickers so discipline will be a key factor in the match. The All Blacks have more game breakers in their team therefore I am predicting a New Zealand win by 10 points.
Probable Starting XVs
New Zealand
15 Beauden Barrett, 14 Will Jordan, 13 Rieko Ioane, 12 Jordie Barrett, 11 Mark Telea, 10 Richie Mo’unga, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Ardie Savea, 7 Sam Cane (c), 6 Shannon Frizell, 5 Scott Barrett, 4 Sam Whitelock, 3 Tyrel Lomax, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Ethan de Groot
Argentina
15 Juan Cruz Mallia, 14 Emiliano Boffelli, 13 Lucio Cinti, 12 Santiago Chocobares, 11 Mateo Carreras, 10 Santiago Carreras, 9 Gonzalo Bertranou, 8 Facundo Isa, 7 Marcos Kremer, 6 Juan Martin Gonzalez, 5 Tomas Lavanini, 4 Guido Petti, 3 Francisco Gómez Kodela, 2 Julián Montoya (c), 1 Thomas Gallo
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the New Zealand victory are as follows:
Betway 1.08
Gbets 1.08
Hollywoodbets 1.07
Odds comparison on the Argentina handicap:
The complete odds on the Argentina handicap:
Betway 1.90 (+17.5)
Gbets 1.87 (+17.5)
Hollywoodbets 1.89 (+17.5)
Predictions and Odds in details
There is no money to be made on the New Zealand outright win therefore we suggest backing Argentina on the handicap. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Betway 1.90 (+17.5),Gbets 1.87 (+17.5) and Hollywoodbets 1.89 (+17.5)
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Sports crazy fan that follows all major sport but the game with the oval ball is my real passion. Was an age level rugby coach and a huge supporter of the Springboks and diehard Liverpool man. I’m an experienced punter and sports writer whose predictions/tips are sure to stir up the emotions. I love the occasional wager on the underdog.
