The hottest post-match subject after the All Blacks’ tense 20-18 semifinal win over South Africa this morning was whether World Rugby would cite the All Blacks skipper for alleged foul play in using an elbow in a collision with Springbok loosie Francois Louw.
Advertisement
Louw, blood flowing from his forehead, had to go to the blood bin in the 29th minute at Twickenham.
“Yeah it is worrying”, said Hansen of New Zealand handing South Africa scoring chances from the tee.
Grandstand will bring you all the action from the Wallabies’ Rugby World Cup semi-final clash with Argentina in its live blog, with coverage commencing at 2:00am AEDT on Monday.
“In that last 15 minutes I think we controlled the game pretty good”. “I’m just hurt for mates who have become brothers”.
Hansen said McCaw’s greatness as a player made him a target for opponents, who would rather take on an All Blacks side with the captain absent.
New Zealand advanced to the Rugby World Cup final by beating South Africa 20-18 in an attritional game in wet conditions on Saturday, keeping on track for a first successful defense of the title.
Jerome Kaino and Beauden Barrett claimed tries with Dan Carter booting 10 points – including a drop-goal – as the All Blacks prevailed in horrid weather, leaving Hansen laying great praise at his captain’s door.
South Africa leads New Zealand 12-7 at halftime in the Rugby World Cup semifinal after four penalty goals flyhalf Handre Pollard and a few impressive defense. “We have to believe that we can beat them: we have done it before”.
“But for someone who’s gone through what he has to control the team in the way he does, it’s outstanding”.
“They kept the pressure on us”.
Despite a Bryan Habana sin bin the Springboks held on and Pat Lambie nudged them to within two points, but the All Blacks masterfully saw the game out and will defend the Webb Ellis Cup against either Australia or Argentina next week.
“Over a career it’s hard to say he’s in his best form but he’s in the form that we need him to be in right now”, Foster said.
Advertisement
Both teams have got off their buses and walked 50 meters between two lines of flag-waving supporters outside Twickenham’s Lion Gate entrance.
