New Zealand head coach Ian Foster has warned that he is against complacency (Gareth Fuller/PA)
New Zealand head coach Ian Foster has warned that he is against complacency (Gareth Fuller/PA)
The three-time champions have lost just two of 36 matches against Los Pumas and are expected to win comfortably in Friday’s clash at the Stade de France in Paris.
“There are two groups in the semi-finals, we can win,” said the All Blacks coach. “That’s the first mentality of both groups.
– Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) 18 October 2023
“We are incredibly respectful of Argentina. We know they had a tournament.
“We don’t live in the afterlife in terms of results. Rugby World Cup tournaments are all about the present. They were the most productive team of the night.
“If you go into a World Cup semi-final expecting a repeat of the afterlife, you’re in trouble. “
– All Black (@AllBlacks) October 18, 2023
Foster made two changes to his squad after the hard-fought 28-24 quarter-final win over Ireland, with Samuel Whitelock in the second row and Mark Telea on the left wing.
Foster said: “We were inspired by Argentina. We were up against a team we know and they are fighting for each and every possession. We’re going to have to do our best. “
Argentina overcame a 10-point deficit to beat Wales last weekend and reach the semi-finals for the third time.
Coach Michael Cheika called up Gonzalo Bertranou as scrum-half in his replacement for the team.
“History is not in our favour, but it’s up to us to replace it,” said Cheika, who oversaw a remarkable win over the All Blacks in Christchurch last year.
“We have the opportunity on Friday and we’ll be ready. When we get on the field, we’ll do what we do best.
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