Argentina qualified for the quarter-finals of the Rugby World Cup, dominating Japan (39-27) this Sunday in Nantes. In this particularly exciting match with many twists and turns, the Pumas scored five tries, including a hat-trick from their winger Carreras. The Japanese only gave in at the end of the match, scoring three tries, including a superb one from second-row Fakatava.
In a packed Beaujoire stadium, the Pumas and the Brave Blossoms put on a great show. From the 2nd minute, Argentina, who always led the score, scored their first try thanks to the center of Stade Toulousain Chocobares. Picked cold, the Japanese quickly reacted, the incredible solo rush from Fakatava (16th), scoring like a winger after a crazy run and kick to follow, allowing them to equalize (7-7, 16th). In this match, the two teams were condemned to go blow for blow, the Japanese scrum half Saito (38th) responding to the second South American try signed Mateo Carreras (28th). The Pumas scorer, Boffelli, let a few points drag on the way unlike his alter ego Matsuda, Argentina returned to the locker room with a one point lead (15-14).
In the second half, same scenario, the Argentinians thought they were flying away thanks to Carreras’ double (22-14, 46th) before Japan’s umpteenth burst of pride embodied by the precise foot of Matsuda (52nd) and the drop of Lemeki (20-22, 56th). Very dangerous with each incursion into the opposing 22 meters, the Pumas won the offensive bonus (anecdotal) thanks to Boffelli (20-29, 59th) but their ticket for the quarter-finals remained up in the air. Naikabula once again brought the Braves Blossoms back to the level (27-29, 68th), just enough time to believe it for a few seconds. On the candle, Matéo Carreras sneaked in for the hat-trick (69th), Sanchez then scoring the winning penalty (36-27, 76th). Until the siren, Japan tried but Argentina and its noisy supporters present in Nantes had the last word.
In the quarter-finals, the Argentinians, eliminated in the group stage during the 2019 World Cup, will face the Welsh next Saturday (5 p.m.) in Marseille. Japan finished third in their group and will not participate in the quarter-finals like four years ago. Consolation prize: the Brave Blossoms are qualified for the next World Cup in 2027 in Australia.