New Zealand destroy Argentina in devastating rugby World Cup semi-final

Will Jordan grabbed a spectacular hat-trick as New Zealand put on a ruthless clinic at the Stade de France last night to sweep aside Argentina and reach the Rugby World Cup final with an emphatic 44-6 victory.

The All Blacks wing equalled the World Cup record of eight tries in a tournament held by Jonah Lomu, Bryan Habana and Julian Savea as New Zealand proved too potent and too clinical for the outgunned Pumas.

The all too predictable mis-match placed further scrutiny on a lop-sided draw which allowed a team of Argentina’s quality to reach the last four when hosts France and Ireland exited in quarterfinal classics last weekend.

The Kiwis cruised home in such comfort they were able to take off some of their key men in the  second half and mothball them ahead of Saturday’s final.

Argentina’s dreams of pulling off what would have been the biggest shock in World Cup knockout stage history had evaporated by half time.

Two tries in three minutes from wing Will Jordan and Jordie Barrett gave New Zealand the impetus and a third from flanker Shannon Frizzell in injury time put them out of sight at 20-6 up. 

Aaron Smith skipped over a fourth just 90 seconds after the restart before Frizzell muscled over for his second.

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Jordan followed suit just after the hour and then completed his hat-trick with eight minutes left in thrilling style from his own 22 even though New Zealand were down to 14 men with second row Scott Barrett in the sin-bin.

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