South Africa players celebrate winning the Rugby World Cup quarter-final against France, 2023. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Analysis - Caught your breath yet? After a weekend of the most pulsating Rugby World Cup action ever played, it's hard to think that only a matter of days ago the mood around the tournament was one of frustration and resignation.
Frustration because it had been five very long weeks of often inactive pool play. Every team had a two-week break built into their schedule, making it difficult to get any sort of tournament buy-in outside of the All Black campaign.
Resignation because it seemed certain that campaign was going to be over by now. Not many, both in the media and public, gave the All Blacks much of a show against the world number one ranked Ireland, after a series loss last year and some indifferent form in their last major test matches.
And yet here we are. The buzz about the four quarters is destined to transform into anticipation for the semi-finals, because now it feels like the All Blacks are in a prime position to add another title. But there was far more to the weekend than just the epic All Blacks v Ireland encounter, so let's have a look at the rest:
This is why you charge down conversions
Kids - trying to gun down a goal kicker while they attempt a conversion may seem like a waste of time, but one day it'll be worth it. Even though Cheslin Kolbe was probably cheating a little bit by starting from a couple of steps in front of the try line, his successful charge of Tomas Ramos's conversion in the first half of the Springboks and France game was the difference between winning and losing.
Kicking doesn't mean it's not exciting
The Springbok identity was never in more full effect than in their win, with Kurt-Lee Arendse and Damian de Allende's first-half tries coming from accurate bombs launched by Manie Libbok and Cobus Reinach. Both were long-range efforts, which shows just how well the Boks are drilled at punishing even the slightest error.
Deliberate knock ons
Aaron Smith was binned for the ball brushing his fingernail and going forward in the All Blacks' win, while Owen Farrell stayed on the park for basically left hooking it 20 metres downfield in England's game against Fiji. OK, neither really mattered in the end but some sort of consistency would be nice around what is a dumb rule anyway.
The Springbok scrum is terrifying
Maybe the most concerning part of the Bok win was just how crucial their scrum was. Eben Etzebeth's second-half try started 80 metres away after his forward pack monstered the French into giving away a penalty advantage that Jesse Kriel exploited, while Damian Willemse opting for a scrum off a mark would rank as one of the most alpha moves ever on a rugby field.
How have England made it this far
They've either timed their run to perfection or just totally overstayed their welcome, but England once again head into a World Cup semi final. This time it's a rematch of 2019's final, but Steve Borthwick's side have definitely shown that a combination of a good draw and simplifying a game plan can make up for a shocking run of lead in results.
Reward for Cheika and Kidwell
One man who would have an interesting take on the Wallabies' much-publicised woes is Michael Cheika, who becomes the first coach to take two different sides to World Cup semi finals. Sitting beside him is another coach currently riding an unorthodox redemption arc, David Kidwell couldn't take the Kiwis to a seemingly guaranteed Rugby League World Cup semi in 2017, now he will be looking to defeat the All Blacks again this weekend.
Bodies on the line, now time to back up
While the All Blacks have hit top gear, just how do you prepare yourself both mentally and physically after what felt like a final? A match of that intensity would have damaged bodies more than the average match, so some ice baths are in order. Also they ought to keep a lid on celebrations after what happened last week.
Fiji copped some rough calls, but…
Mathieu Raynal knows how to make himself unpopular and Monday morning was no exception, but while there were a few 50/50 calls that Fiji can feel aggrieved about, the usually reliable Frank Lomani missed three gettable shots at goal. Viliame Mata's first-half effort is definitely a contender for try of the year, rumour has it Manu Tuilagi has asked Mata for a receipt for the dummy he sold him.
Gatland's still got it
Earlier this year if you'd offered Welsh fans a heroic quarter final exit after playing some top footy in the pool stages, they would have gladly taken it. Which makes their exit that much more frustrating, because it felt like they definitely have turned a corner.
Remember history
You don't even have to go back very far for an important history lesson. Last year, Ian Foster's job was on the line and the All Blacks won a test match at Ellis Park that no one thought they would. Their opponent in the next test was the Pumas, in which they were heavy favourites, and they lost. That's exactly the same scenario we have on our hands this week.
