Australia vs Argentina - RWC 2015 Semi-Final Prediction

Before the quarter-finals, this would have been a no-brainer, Australia all the way. Their dismantling of England and their formidable defence against Wales showed that they are a side that can go all the way. But then along came Scotland and Australia played some of their worst rugby for a very long time.  



Foley fell to pieces, gifting a try when he took an eternity to make a clearing kick, Slipper was placed in a key, pivot role in the offence and handed the Scots an easy intercept try, and then the defence at the ruck for Scotland's first was simply non-existent. Are Australia lucky to be here? Yes and no, you can read our article on the Joubert incident here, and whilst they were quite suicidal last weekend, they still put 5 tries past Scotland. Argentina will need to be wary of this potent Australia attack. But then again, Australia know that this Argentinian side have grown a lot, and can score points for fun against good sides, which Ireland found out in the quarters. Australia need to cut out those mistakes, and I'm sure Cheika will drill that into the team this week. They went in slightly arrogant, and it showed with some terrible errors against a side that were lucky to even make it out of the group stages. On the other hand Argentina beat the best side in the Northern Hemisphere, and will be brimming with confidence going into this game. It was clear that Australia missed Pocock and Folau, and they will be even more crucial in this game, as Argentina's breakdown work and back three have been sensational throughout this tournament. What Argentina will be concerned about will be Cordero's defence and his decision making. He is brilliant offensively, but he just can't seem to make a tackle and can make some bad errors, and in the semi-finals of the World Cup that could be what sends Los Pumas home.

Pocock is a good enough player to win the game for Australia. His work at the breakdown is second to none, and what he will provide Australia with in this game is not only more ball, but he will give them time to organise their defence as he slows the ball down in the ruck, and the Australians will find it easier to nullify the scintillating Argentinian attack. He is the difference between the two sides, and will ensure a hard-fought victory for the Australians.

Prediction: Australia by 4