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New Zealand through to second consecutive World Cup final

NEW Zealand secured a tight victory over South Africa in the World Cup semi-final. See how the world reacted to the historic win.

Dan ElsomDan Elsom
@elsom_dan
4 min read
October 25, 2015 - 12:40PM
World reacts to ‘ruthless’ All Blacks
World reacts to ‘ruthless’ All Blacks

NEW Zealand have managed to hold on in a tight 20-18 semi-final victory over South Africa, which sees them progress to a second consecutive Rugby World Cup final.

A battle between two of the best in the game, the All Blacks had to work right until the final minute to ensure a finals berth.

Dan Carter made history, becoming the highest points scorer for New Zealand in World Cup history with his penalty goal at the hour mark.

See how the world reacted to the Kiwi’s hard-fought win.

THE MEDIA

Beauden Barrett’s try was a turning point for the All Blacks.
Beauden Barrett’s try was a turning point for the All Blacks.

THE global media voice had plenty to say about the first semi-final contest of 2015, with many praising the All Blacks composure even in the dying minutes of the match.

Toby Robinson of stuff.co.nz was one such writer, noting the victory as testament to New Zealand’s strong leadership group.

“Unflappable, stubborn, and composed to the end, sticking to the game plan paid dividends for the All Blacks. But only just,” Robinson wrote.

“The All Blacks’ 20-18 semi-final win over South Africa won’t fill up the highlights reels, but it delivered plenty of excitement during 80 minutes of edge-of-the-seat viewing.

“It was a testament to the ability of Hansen’s senior players to manage their way through the rapids.

“It was far from perfect, but it was never going to be against a Springbok team that delivered trademark defensive stout and a fearsome set piece.”

The Telegraph reporter Gavin Mairs shared a similar sentiment, praising the Kiwis for dominating even while they only had 14 men on the field.

“New Zealand once again showed their ability to raise their game and maintain their composure just when their opponents should have been able to go in for the kill by actually reducing their deficit while Kano was in the sin bin. In fact it was the All Blacks who dominated those 10 minutes,” Mairs wrote.

“The psychological edge it gave the All Blacks inflicted serious damage to the Springboks, and it was little surprise that New Zealand were able to take the lead moments after Kano’s return when Beauden Barrett crossed for a try.”

Eddie Butler commented on the “ruthlessness” of the Barrett try.

“No team has ever been more ruthless in making sure that a territorial opportunity becomes points on the board,” he wrote in The Guardian.

Dan Carter’s boot was crucial in the Kiwi’s success.
Dan Carter’s boot was crucial in the Kiwi’s success.

While South Africa’s news24.com told of where the game was lost for the ‘Boks, according to former national coach Nick Mallett.

Mallett noted the failure to score during Jerome Kaino’s sin-bin period as fatal for the Springboks.

“Those first eight minutes were crucial with New Zealand reduced to 14 men. We had to score at least three points during that period and prevent the All Blacks scoring,” Mallett said.

“Instead, New Zealand scored three points and we did not score. This semi-final turned on tiny things and that was a critical stage of the game”

Mallett said New Zealand had the edge, as they always appeared to believe they could win.

“That comes from winning Tests — they have lost just three since winning the last World Cup.

“South Africa do not have that belief because they have lost more matches, especially this year in the build-up to the tournament.”

THE SKIPPERS

Richie McCaw knows his side still have a job to do next week.
Richie McCaw knows his side still have a job to do next week.

NEW Zealand captain Richie McCaw could not hide his excitement at the prospect of a second World Cup final in as many tournaments.

“That’s what we came here to do, to give ourselves an opportunity. I guess the hard work paid (off), we knew that was going to be the case against the Springboks. Now we get a crack at the final next week,” McCaw said.

“It was our discipline that was keeping the Springboks in the game.

“Sometimes when you are down to 14 you find that little bit extra and everyone had to make up for that. We held our composure well and the points came.”

McCaw said his side had expected South Africa to push them to their limit.

“We have been saying among ourselves all week that we were up against the old foe who were going to bring everything. We didn’t get any surprises today and we had to dig our deepest.

“It was one of those test matches that was great to be part of and great to come out on the right side of.”

With a severely swollen left cheek, a clearly devastated Springbok skipper in Fourie du Preez spoke bravely after the defeat, praising his opponents for their gritty victory.

“It’s very tough to take, so close, two points...”

“Credit to both teams, unbelievable battle out there, it was a great game, unfortunately we come out as a losing side,” du Preez said.

“The All Blacks just kept the pressure on us, we struggled to win a few lineout balls and struggled to get out of our own half. Credit to them, nice drop goal and nice try to them and unfortunately we couldn’t capitalise.

“When we had ball in hand we went well, but unfortunately we couldn’t get a try.

“Credit to the All Blacks, they played well.”

THE RESPECT

What the game is all about.
What the game is all about.

IN a game that could have swung either way at the death, it was clear the enormous degree of respect both sides had for each other. This sentiment was perfectly demonstrated by the embrace of All Black replacement Sonny Bill Williams and Springbok centre Jesse Kriel, creating an image that will undoubtedly go down as one of the more iconic moments in World Cup history.

Followers on Twitter admired the esteem of both sides.

THE LEGENDS

THE pride and overwhelming degree of respect the match showed was reflected in the comments of some of the game’s greatest players, as they weighed in on the conversation.

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Original URL: https://www.news.com.au/sport/rugby/new-zealand-through-to-second-consecutive-world-cup-final/news-story/05292387eb4e646525b6aebefd520835