New Zealand demolish Argentina to send ominous warning ahead of fifth Rugby World Cup final

New Zealand were cock-a-hoop on Friday after pummelling Argentina 44-6 to stay on course for a record fourth Rugby World Cup title.

“It’s everything. It’s the goal. We came here wanting to be in the final and then we obviously want to go and win it,” All Blacks coach Ian Foster said. “We have given ourselves that opportunity.”

Next up will be either 2003 champions England or holders South Africa, who are also seeking a fourth title, and they clash on Saturday.

“I am incredibly proud of the way we backed it up tonight,” Foster said. “I thought it was a tough game. We got asked a lot of questions from Argentina early. We held great composure and finished strong so I am pretty pleased.”

Few in the stands got the impression it had been a tough game, with New Zealand at cruising pace outclassing Argentina in every department. Seven tries by four different scorers settled it without ever setting the Stade de France alight.

The difference between this semi-final and the nerve-shredding quarter-final victory over world No.1-ranked Ireland could hardly have been more marked, but New Zealand won’t care after reaching a record fifth World Cup final.

“World Cup semi-final ... it’s a great preparation for a World Cup final, that’s what I would say,” Foster smiled, batting away a query about whether the one-sided result had been the perfect preparation.

Captain Sam Cane lauded his pack for driving this one-sided victory.

“I thought our forwards did an outstanding job - set-piece, maul time, earned a few penalties, got a bit of dominance and it kept a lot of pressure on the Argentinians,” he said.

“We knew they’re a team that will fight for everything and they wouldn’t go away. So that ability to keep piling on points was pleasing.

“We are in a good spot, in the final, exactly where we wanted to be. Amazing support, a lot of black jerseys out here. I know there will be heaps at home cheering us on too, so it’s going to be an exciting week ahead.”

Man-of-the-match Jordie Barrett said the team definitely had unfinished business.

“We slipped at the semi-final hurdle four years ago,” he said. “It’s not done yet. We will have a very tough match regardless of who we have next week.

“It’s new territory for a lot of boys, but there are also World Cup winners and World Cup finalists (among us) so we will call on their experience as much as we can. We are just going to enjoy the week as much as possible. It’s special times.”