Six weeks down, one to go. New Zealand will attempt to create World Cup history on Halloween but Australia are plotting a fright.
The All Blacks can become the first nation to ever retain the Webb Ellis trophy if they can overcome Michael Cheika’s in-form Wallabies.
Argentina and South Africa will contest the Bronze Final, which Springboks coach Heyneke Meyer likened to kissing one’s sister.
Getting quickly away from that imagery, here are the players that most impressed us over the weekend.
Backs
15. Joaquin Tuculet (ARG); 14. Adam Ashley Cooper (AUS), 13. Marcelo Bosch (ARG), 12. Ma’a Nonu (NZL), 11. Drew Mitchell (AUS); 10. Dan Carter (NZL), 9. Fourie du Preez (RSA)
Adam Ashley Cooper was sensational for the Aussies while Drew Mitchell’s sycthing break finally took the fight out of Argentina. Dan Carter put on another masterclass while Ma’a Nonu was at his hulking best.
God bless Argentina for running every single ball, it seemed, from their 22. Tuculet and Bosch kept fighting until the death and constantly punctured the Wallabies’ defensive lines.
Forwards
8. David Pocock (AUS), 7. Richie McCaw (NZL), 6. Scott Fardy (AUS); 5. Kane Douglas (AUS), 4. Rob Simmons (AUS); 3. Ramiro Herrera (ARG), 2. Dane Cole (NZL), 1. Marcos Ayerza (ARG)
What a back row this is and, criminally, there is no room for try-scoring Jerome Kaino. David Pocock was HUGE for the Aussies while Richie McCaw put the shoulder to the wheel for the gizillionth time.
Argentina’s scrum toyed with the Australians all day while the Australian second row pairing of Douglas and Simmons went above, beyond and above again.
