'New Zealand have massive respect for Argentina' - Ian Foster

All Blacks head coach Ian Foster insisted that they have immense respect for Argentina as the two teams meet each other in the semi-final of the Rugby World Cup on Friday.

New Zealand have the upper hand in the head to head record as they defeated the Pumas in 34 out of the 36 matches but their two defeats have come post the 2019 Rugby World Cup.

Foster's men will be brimming with confidence following a closely fought encounter against one of the contenders Ireland while Argentina defeated Wales in the quarter-final in Marseille last weekend.

“There are two teams in the semi-final – anyone can win,” said Foster. “That’s the first mindset both teams have.

“We are massively respectful of Argentina. We know that they have had a great tournament.

“We don’t live in the past in terms of results. Rugby World Cup tournaments are really about the present. It’s about the best team on the night.

“If you go into a World Cup semi-final with any expectation that the past is going to happen again, you have got problems.

“We’ve been really impressed with Argentina. We’re playing a team that we know scrap and fight for every little bit of possession. We are going to have to be at our best.”