2015 Rugby World Cup Quarter-Final vs Argentina

Lore & Background

Until 2023, they qualified in first place from every group until they lost their first pool match in 2023 RWC against France. Their worst performance was in 2007 when they lost a quarter-final to France. They have made it to at least the semi-finals at all the other tournaments.

In Their Own Story

The air at Twickenham was thick with expectation as the All Blacks took the pitch, their black jerseys stark against the green grass. The first whistle barely sounded before New Zealand's defense surged forward like a tidal wave, swallowing Argentine attacks whole. Ma'a Nonu caught a loose ball, his eyes scanning for space that didn't exist, yet he found it anyway, stepping past two defenders to crash over the line. The roar from the crowd was deafening, but inside the All Black huddle, there was only focus. Richie McCaw clapped his hands, his voice cutting through the noise: 'Keep going. We own this.' Argentina tried to fight back, their scrum pushing hard and their backs finding gaps, but every time they gained ground, New Zealand's line speed erased it. By halftime, the scoreline told a story of total control. In the second half, the Pumas looked tired, their shoulders slumped as the All Blacks continued to press, scoring again and again until the final whistle confirmed what everyone already knew: this team was unstoppable.

Reader's Guide

In the 2015 Rugby World Cup, New Zealand reached the knockout stage, playing a quarter-final, semi-final, and final.

Did You Know?

• New Zealand hosted the inaugural tournament in 1987 with Australia as a co-host.
• New Zealand was the sole host of the 2011 tournament.
• During Typhoon Hagibis, the New Zealand v Italy match was cancelled and recorded as a 0–0 draw.