Tuesday 27 October 2015 12:57, UK
Trans-Tasman rivals New Zealand and Australia will meet in a Rugby World Cup final for the first time at Twickenham on Saturday.
Australia outscored Argentina by four tries to none to book their place in a record-equalling fourth World Cup final, as did holders New Zealand after twice coming from behind to beat South Africa.
After two contrasting, yet equally engrossing semi-finals, who has made our team of the week?
15. Ben Smith
Always a threat in attack, Smith underlined his standing as the 2015 World Cup's most accomplished full-back with another excellent showing against the Springboks.
The Highlander was rock solid, making six tackles, kicking intelligently and was also superb under the high ball on a wet evening in Twickenham.
14. Adam Ashley-Cooper
Ashley-Cooper became the Wallabies' third-highest try-scorer with his treble against Argentina.
All three scores were put on a plate for the 31-year-old but he was also solid in the air and worked hard in defence.
13. Marcelo Bosch
The Saracens centre was instrumental as Argentina gave as good as they got in the second period.
Bosch ran some wonderful lines, gaining 60 metres from his 10 carries, and topped the tackle charts for the Pumas with 11, while also winning a turnover.
12. Ma'a Nonu
Nonu was New Zealand's go-to man in midfield as he repeatedly looked to prise open South Africa's defence.
Although he forced the issue a little too much in the first period and had a pass intercepted by JP Pietersen, Nonu redeemed himself in the second half, drawing in two defenders before teeing up Beauden Barrett for the All Blacks' second try.
Nonu beat four defenders from his 11 carries, gaining 44 metres as New Zealand ground out a narrow victory in difficult conditions.
11. Santiago Cordero
There may be question marks over Cordero's defence, and he'll want to forget the knock-on that led to Adam Ashley-Cooper's first try, but the Argentine wing was scintillating in attack against the Wallabies.
Cordero had the Twickenham crowd on the edge of their seats on numerous occasions, making four breaks and beating seven defenders as he gained 106 metres from 13 carries.
Still only 21, Cordero is one of a number of Argentina players with an extremely bright future.
10. Dan Carter
Carter didn't get off to the best of starts against South Africa but grew into the game as it wore on.
The fly-half kicked 10 points, including a drop goal while the All Blacks were down to 14 men, and his experience shone through as New Zealand enjoyed the lion's share of possession and territory.
9. Fourie du Preez
South Africa's general rarely made the wrong decision. Du Preez's box kicking was excellent and he also reacted the quickest when Dan Carter's first-half penalty came back off the posts.
Du Preez suffered a heavy blow to the face before the interval which resulted in a broken tooth and swollen cheek but played the full 80 minutes as the Boks came agonisingly close to beating the All Blacks.
The 33-year-old is a doubt for Friday's bronze medal match, which brings an end to a wonderful international career that includes a World Cup win in 2007 and Lions series success two years later.
1. Tendai Mtawarira
'The Beast' formed an integral part of the Springboks' scrum and maul, although it was a surprise not to see him carry more ball.
Mtawarira worked incredibly hard in defence, making 11 tackles during his 52 minutes on the pitch.
2. Dane Coles
New Zealand may have struggled at the scrum but they boasted a 100 per cent return at the lineout, with Coles finding his target on all eight throws.
Coles covered every blade of grass as he put in a strong shift in defence, making seven tackles and doing little to dispel the theory that he is currently the finest hooker in world rugby.
3. Ramiro Herrera
Argentina had the much-heralded Australian scrum on toast, with Herrera giving James Slipper a torrid time.
Made seven tackles and was also a threat with ball in hand in what was another hard-working contribution from the Pumas tighthead.
4. Brodie Retallick
Retallick ran hard at the South African defence, making the most carries of the New Zealand forwards and stood up to the Springboks' powerful, direct running.
The Chiefs lock conceded an early penalty for a high shot on Schalk Burger but was part of a New Zealand lineout that disrupted the Springboks, Retallick claiming one of their four steals.
5. Kane Douglas
The former Leinster lock put in a tireless shift in defence, making 15 tackles as the Wallabies withstood a Pumas onslaught.
Douglas didn't overly feature in attack while Rob Simmons and Scott Fardy took charge at the lineout, but he was prominent as Australia nullified the Argentine maul.
6. Scott Fardy
Yet another all-action display from the unsung hero in the Wallabies' back row.
Battered and bloodied at the finish, Fardy made a team high 16 tackles as well as some crucial turnovers to halt the Pumas' momentum.
7. Francois Louw
Louw was at the heart of South Africa's forward effort and gave everything as they went down fighting.
The Bath back row made 13 tackles and some vital turnovers as he enjoyed a fantastic tussle with Richie McCaw. Like fellow flanker Schalk Burger, Louw's work rate and commitment never wavered.
8. David Pocock
Australia are a different team with their breakdown master present. Pocock was the Wallabies' most influential player against Argentina, winning four turnovers and making 14 tackles.
Pocock is virtually unplayable at the breakdown when he is in this mood, while he also contributed heavily in attack with 13 carries. The battle of the Australia and New Zealand back rows next Saturday will be worth the entrance fee alone.
