Gale-force winds and torrential rain forced organisers to postpone last night’s World Rugby Classic semi-final between New Zealand and the Classic Lions until this evening.

While rugby is usually a game played in virtually all weather conditions, with winds expected to strengthen as the night wore on, the decision was taken to bring a halt to proceedings mid-way through the first plate semi-final between France and Argentina — the former winning 26-0.

The atrocious weather forced most in the hospitality area to huddle together underneath the tents on the western side of the National Sports Centre, while only the teams and a few hardy souls could be seen standing directly along the touchline watching the action.

The postponement sets up an exciting semi-final double header tonight, with the All Blacks and the Lions scheduled to clash at 7.30 p.m. and Australia and South Africa directly after at 8.30 p.m.

The second plate semi-final between Canada and the US has been moved forward to 6.30 p.m.