YOKOHAMA, Japan — The Rugby World Cup will hold its semifinals this weekend, and the cream has risen to the top. 1 through 4 on the official World Rugby rankings. Of the major pretournament contenders, only Ireland, which had the misfortune of having to face New Zealand in the quarterfinals, has been eliminated. The Irish also were the first elite victim of the inspired host team from Japan, which eventually lost a physical quarterfinal against South Africa. On Saturday, New Zealand, the two-time defending champion, faces a powerful England team that is hitting on all cylinders.

Source: International New York Times October 25, 2019 04:52 UTC