The Rugby World Cup quarter-final stage will undoubtedly prove to be a victim of its own success. Indeed, the nature of the draw pitted arguably the strongest four sides against each other; gifting a kinder<\/em> side of the draw for others. Consequently, we were treated to four enthrallingly tight matches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Three-time champions New Zealand were handed the daunting task of current World Number One Ireland. The Kiwis would have particularly felt the pressure on this occasion, having lost twice to the Shamrock in their own backyard last year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n New Zealand played most of the match on the back foot. Having less possession and covering almost 200 less metres than their opponents with the ball. The All Blacks also had to play a quarter of the match with 14 men, having received two yellow cards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Despite this, New Zealand played with a sheer intensity that their opponents could not handle. Smashing up the Irish attack, desperately retaining possession and clearing out like their life depended on it; all traits that have become the key ingredients to New Zealand\u2019s recent World Cup domination. Despite recent injury problems and media criticism, Sam Cane put in a captain\u2019s performance, completing 21 tackles and 2 turnovers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The All Blacks face weaker opposition in the form of Argentina for their semi-final clash. Like New Zealand, Los Pumas<\/em> lost their opening match \u2013 a 27-10 defeat to England. Since then, they\u2019ve made light work of Samoa, Chile and Japan, before a dramatic late win over Wales in their quarter-final match.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This will be Argentina\u2019s third World Cup semi-final, having previously reached this stage in 2007 and 2015. Los Pumas have yet to reach a World Cup final. In their 36 encounters with the All Blacks, Argentina have won on just two occasions. This record is reflected in the markets. Argentina are priced as high as 13\/2<\/a> with the line set at a +18 handicap at 17\/20<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n