Argentina vs New Zealand: Rugby World Cup kick-off time, TV channel, team news, lineups, venue, odds
The All Blacks have reached this stage in all but one World Cup ever played, and although they are not one of the top two or three countries in this tournament, they are strongly tipped to reach the final after beating Ireland.
While New Zealand’s quarter-final was regarded as an instant classic, Argentina’s win over Wales was more of a fascinating case of the pendulum swinging one way and then the other as the Pumas, after a difficult start, rallied with two late tries Qualification fought.
In just their third World Cup semi-final, Michael Cheika’s side are only too happy to embrace their unimaginable slogan, already claiming that the powers that be are against them by stalling their plans to travel to Paris.
All the pressure will be on Ian Foster’s All Blacks to make the most of their excellent win over Ireland and stay in the hunt for a fourth World Cup.
Date, kick-off time and venue
Argentina vs New Zealand takes place today, Friday 20 October 2023, with kick-off scheduled for 8pm BST.
The venue for the game is the Stade de France in Paris.
Where to watch Argentina vs New Zealand?
TV channel: In the UK, the game can be broadcast live and free on ITV1. Coverage begins at 7:30 p.m.
Live broadcast: Fans can also watch the quarter-final action live online via the ITVX website and app.
Live blog: Follow the game tonight Standard sports Live blog, with Nick Purewal on site to provide expert analysis.
News about the Argentina vs. New Zealand team
Argentina flanker Pablo Matera was sent home with a hamstring injury last week and Facundo Isa was his replacement in the side that beat Wales.
Cheika has a largely well-oiled side, with Tomas Cubelli and Gonzalo Bertranou vying for the start at scrum-half.
The All Blacks could reinstate Mark Telea after he was eliminated from the quarter-finals for breaching the team’s disciplinary protocol.
There were plenty of headaches for Foster during the tournament, with Damian McKenzie, Sam Whitelock and Anton Lienert-Brown all on the bench last time out.
Lineups Argentina vs. New Zealand
Teams will be confirmed in the days leading up to the game. So be sure to check back here for the confirmed lineups!
Referee Argentina against New Zealand
Angus Gardner from Australia was given charge of this semi-final. His compatriot Nic Berry and Englishman Karl Dickson are his assistants at the TMO along with Welshman Ben Whitehouse.
Argentina vs New Zealand prediction
The All Blacks, who were not expected to hold off the Northern Hemisphere’s rising duo of France and Ireland, are suddenly heavy favorites to reach a fifth World Cup final.
Argentina beat a fairly average Welsh side despite being second best for much of Saturday and they will need to put in a simply incredible performance to qualify.
New Zealand wins by over ten points.
Head-to-head history (h2h) and results
The Pumas ended the long wait for their first ever win in the game with a 25-15 win in 2020 and followed that up with a repeat performance in Christchurch last year.
New Zealand may have won five games in those two defeats, but Argentina will use their successes to boost their confidence.
Argentina wins: 2
New Zealand wins: 33
Draws: 1
Latest odds for Argentina vs New Zealand
Argentina wins: 17/2
New Zealand wins: 1/14
Draw (80 minutes): 40/1
Odds via Befair (subject to change).
