Rugby World Cup 2023 semi-finals and kick-off times confirmed

Jared Wright 15 Oct 2023 9:40 PM

The Webb Ellis Cup, the trophy of the men's Rugby World Cup, is placed on a pedestal by the pitch before the Rugby World Cup quarterfinal match between Wales and Argentina — The Webb Ellis Cup, the trophy of the men's Rugby World Cup, is placed on a pedestal by the pitch before the Rugby World Cup quarterfinal match.

The 2023 Rugby World Cup semi-finals have been confirmed, with Argentina, New Zealand, England and South Africa all progressing to the final four.

Both matches will take place at the Stade de France stadium in Saint-Denis, with the first seeing Argentina and New Zealand collide and the second seeing England face the Springboks.

Route to the semi-finals

Argentina were the first to book their place in the last four after coming second in Pool D of the tournament. That earned them a quarter-final clash against Wales.

Michael Cheika’s charges were down 10-0 in the opening stages of their last-eight fixture but fought their way back into the match and emerged 29-17 victors, knocking Warren Gatland’s side out.

Later on Saturday, the All Blacks ended Ireland’s 17-game winning streak in an epic encounter. Ian Foster’s charges – who finished second overall in Pool A behind hosts France – raced into a 13-0 lead inside the first 20 minutes but held just a one-point advantage at half-time after a superb comeback from Ireland.

A second-half try from Will Jordan pushed the All Blacks lead to 25-17 before the hour mark, and despite a penalty try and two yellow cards, New Zealand held out for victory thanks to a Jordie Barrett penalty and some heroic defence.

England continued their unbeaten run in the tournament, having topped Pool D, defeating Argentina, Japan, Chile and Samoa en route to the quarter-finals, where they met Fiji.

Owen Farrell produced a man-of-the-match performance, scoring 20 points and assisting both of England’s tries as they overcame a stern Test from Fiji, claiming a 30-24 win.

Steve Borthwick’s side held a 21-10 advantage at half-time, but the Pacific Islanders fought back in the second 40 minutes and tied the game up at 24 points apiece with 10 minutes left to play. However, Farrell nailed a conversion and a drop goal before a long defensive shift sealed the win.

In another helter-skelter quarter-final, South Africa ended France’s home World Cup in a stunning 29-28 victory.

The defending champions were behind 22-19 at half-time in an outstanding back-and-forth Test match. Eben Eztebeth scored a crucial try to put his side ahead, with Handre Pollard adding the conversion and a penalty. Thomas Ramos got a penalty back for France, but the Boks held out for the win.

South Africa will now face England in a replay of the 2019 Rugby World Cup final, with the winner taking on the victory of Argentina versus New Zealand in the final.