SO, WHO WILL MAKE THE FINAL?
SIR CLIVE WOODWARD
World Cup-winning coach IN some ways this is the Springboks’ final and they can win, but they lack creativity and New Zealand will have too much in the last 20 minutes. In the other, my head says Australia but my heart says Argentina. It will be so tight but Nicolas Sanchez could hold the keys to an upset. VERDICT: New Zealand by 10pts, Argentina by 1pt
EDDIE JONES
Japan coach, Sportsmail columnist YOU could not think of a more traditional semi-final than South Africa v New Zealand. The Springboks will take it to them but the All Blacks will win. In the other game Australia will be too strong, though it will be interesting to see if Argentina adapt their attacking style. VERDICT: New Zealand by less than 5pts, Australia by 10pts
ROB ROBERTSON
Rugby correspondent NEW Zealand and South Africa will cancel each other out physically — but the All Blacks have more of an attacking threat and that will be vital. Julian Savea has the look of a match-winner supreme. Expect the Wallabies to just have too much power for the Pumas in the other semi. VERDICT: New Zealand by 12pts, Australia by 3pts
CHRIS FOY
Rugby writer THE Springboks will hit the world champions with a physical onslaught but Steve Hansen’s side have a range of threats and won’t be bullied. Michael Cheika has gambled on David Pocock and Israel Folau, which shows his respect for the Pumas, who may lack top-end experience. VERDICT: New Zealand by 12pts, Australia by 5pts
NIK SIMON
Rugby writer WHO else could leave Keven Mealamu, Victor Vito and Sonny Bill Williams on the bench? The All Blacks will have too much firepower. Australia have lacked an attacking edge since beating England and the Pumas will be ready. VERDICT: New Zealand by 15pts, Argentina by 3pts
JOHN GREECHAN
Chief Sports Writer IT will be close but expect the All Blacks to find space where none exists, navigating their way through the ferocious Springboks tackling. Argentina would be a welcome addition to the final but a Wallabies win will reflect well on Scotland. VERDICT: New Zealand by 7pts, Australia by 2pts
RORY KEANE
Rugby writer SOUTH AFRICA are stacked with quality, but the reigning champions should have too much class. Scotland uncovered Australia’s defensive frailties that Argentina can exploit. Scott Sio’s absence is a blow for Australia and Nicolas Sanchez’s goal-kicking can swing it. VERDICT: New Zealand by 8pts, Argentina by 3pts