Sam Cane's family at the Paris Rugby Village. Brendon Cane (second from right), Kate Rorison (third from right) and Matty Cane (centre). Photo: RNZ/Tiffany Salmond
The semi-final weekend is here and Argentina and New Zealand are battling it out for a coveted spot in next Sunday's Rugby World Cup decider.
The the Paris Rugby Village was buzzing with energy.
A pop up bar near the entrance of the village was busy with excited fans. Amongst the crowd was a group of Kiwis proudly sporting All Blacks jerseys.
The cheerful bunch were more than happy to share their thoughts on the pending semi final and who their favourite player is.
"Argentina, they've done well before, we've seen it all before but I'm backing black," said Kate Rorison.
"When they're under pressure they always do well. When it comes to the World Cup, Sam Cane - Legend."
The pop up bar located in the Paris Rugby Village. Photo: RNZ/Tiffany Salmond
The sentiment was energetically shared amongst all members when asked who their favourite player was. But it wasn't long until the group confessed their bias towards the All Blacks captain.
"Say your name Brendon! First name and last name would be good!" said Rorison.
"Brendon Cane," said Cane through a smile.
The proud uncle and group of cousins flew into Paris yesterday from Taupō, New Zealand and have already caught up with Sam Cane ahead of the match.
"It'll be fairly close but I'd say they've got it in the bag," said Matty Cane.
Brendon Cane was a bit more wary of the Los Pumas ability to contend with the All Blacks.
"The AB's will be up for it. It's going to be a tough match though, it's not a given.
"It's not an easy win at all and I think they'll be right into it," said Brendon Cane.
New Zealand captain Sam Cane warms up before the Rugby World Cup semi final between the All Blacks and Argentina at Stade de France. Photo: Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz
Everything is on the line for the men in blue and white, who have never made it past the semi final stage of the tournament, previously getting knocked out in the final four of 2007 and 2015.
In their 36-match history, Los Pumas have only beaten the All Blacks twice - November 2020 and August 2022.
The All Blacks are by far the favourites tonight but if Argentina can outplay the New Zealanders, it will be one of the biggest upsets of this year's World Cup.