The All Blacks were ruthless as they backed up their win over Ireland with a clinical victory over Argentina in the first Rugby World Cup semi-final.
They were rarely troubled in the 44-6 win, looking to become the first team to win four World Cup finals.
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Argentina couldn't back up their Marseille heroics as the class of the All Blacks shone through.
So what did we learn?
1. RECTIFYING THE MISTAKES OF 2019
The All Blacks left no doubt of their intentions for a fourth World Cup title.
After a physical quarter-final, there were questions about how they would back up and whether they meet a similar fate to 2019, where England struck early and kicked their way to victory.
However, this is an All Blacks team that has not only embraced history but learnt from it, piecing Argentina apart on the counterattack. The Kiwis made nearly 40 more tackles than the Pumas in the first half but they controlled the game and constantly won the physical battle up front thanks to an all-powerful scrum.
They were the first team in 16 years to score over 30 points in a semi-final and if Richie Mo’unga found an unmarked Jordan in the corner, they would’ve likely brought up 50 and broken the record.
It’s the signs of a champion team who have their eye on history, looking to lift the World Cup trophy for the record fourth time.
2. MAGIC MO'UNGA
Richie Mo’unga is leaving a lasting memory for the All Blacks in the number ten jersey as he heads to Japan.
Mo’unga was toying with the Pumas defence throughout the game, setting up line break after line break.
He then produced a great break shortly after half-time to set up yet another try, sealing the win.
Mo’unga will leave a massive hole for club and country at the end of the year, with his talent and World Cup performances enough for selectors to potentially ponder a re-think of eligibility laws.
3. TASTE OF THEIR OWN MEDICINE
In a cruel twist of fate, the Pumas’ hopes of a first World Cup final were dashed in the same way they booked their place in the final four.
Against Wales, it was a quartet of penalties to Emiliano Boffelli that got them back in the game. However, this time they were on the other end as the All Blacks crossed the line either side of half-time.
It deflated the Pumas despite the sizeable crowd support from the Saint-Denis faithful as they struggled for an answer.
They’ll need to regroup for the bronze medal match and will likely take motivation out of sending Michael Cheika out on a high
4. GOLDEN FLYERS
The All Blacks have a special group of outside backs at their disposal, led by Will Jordan.
Jordan was unstoppable as he completed his hat-trick with a great chip and chase that started from his own half, building a commanding lead as the top try scorer of the tournament and one away from the all-time tournament record.
His wing partner Mark Telea was equally as damaging despite not crossing the line with a dozen tackle busts.
It takes a pair of special talents to keep Leicester Fainga’anuku and Caleb Clarke out of the squad altogether but they have been two of the best players in the tournament.
5. THE UNCOMFORTABLE FOSTER QUESTION
The incredible run of the All Blacks in the World Cup has left an interesting but awkward situation for NZR.
The decision was made to move on from Ian Foster seven months ago but the coach has turned things around in remarkable fashion. They look a vastly different team even from the All Blacks side that were thumped by South Africa at Twickenham, finding their best over the last two weeks.
It now presents the real possibility Foster’s rollercoaster tenure as All Blacks coach will end with the former Chiefs boss hoisting the Webb Ellis Cup. He gets a lot of hate from New Zealanders but a World Cup title makes his reign undeniable one of the greatest in the modern era.
If that’s the case, it leaves an uphill task for Scott Robertson to not only match his success but somehow build on it with a host of All Blacks heading overseas.
