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Argentina full of belief ahead of decisive ‘round of 16 decider’
Looking to make the Rugby World Cup quarterfinals for the first time since 2015, Argentina will need to beat Japan in a “round of 16 decider” this weekend in Nantes.
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For a team that was widely tipped to make it out of the group, Los Pumas’ World Cup campaign couldn’t have started any worse.
In their opening Test, England flanker Tom Curry was sent from the field inside the opening few minutes, but Argentina couldn’t make the most of it. Led by playmaker Geroge Ford, England ran away with a convincing 27-10 victory in Marseille.
In the wake of that defeat, veteran hooker Agustin Creevy told reporters that “each game will be a final.” One more loss would send the Argentines home earlier than expected.
But Los Pumas bounced back as they needed to. Argentina overcame Samoa and defeated South American rivals Chile by a whopping 54 points, which set up a crucial final-round clash.
“We are well, knowing the importance that this match has for us. It is a round of 16 decider. Another final that we have to overcome,” Creevy told reporters in La Baule-Escoublac on Thursday.
“We are training very well, trusting in what we have been doing for a long time. We have to continue highlighting things and improving others.
Head-to-Head
Last 2 Meetings
Wins
0
Draws
0
Wins
2
Average Points scored
24
47
First try wins
100%
Home team wins
0%
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“Personally, I am taking it very calmly, enjoying it game by game, and this week enjoying it day by day. I think that if we do things well, the team will respond.
“We are confident and convinced of what we have in front of us on Sunday.”
For both Argentina and Japan, the equation is simple ahead of Sunday’s decider: win or go home. Both teams are on nine-competition points, while Samoa sit behind on six points.
Steve Borthwick’s England side have already booked their spot in the next phase with big wins over the Pumas, the Brave Blossoms and finally an emphatic 71-nil demolition of World Cup newbies Chile.
With one more spot up for grabs, Creevy said that Los Pumas hadn’t even thought about the possibility of losing to Japan.
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“You don’t think about that. We are preparing to win the game,” Creevy added.
“Then there are consequences, unfortunately. We prepare to win the games, we see the important points where we can improve, where we can continue working, believing in ourselves, in what we are doing.
“You always think about how you win and not what might happen in you lose.”
Comments on RugbyPass
Sounds like quite a bit of development has occurred regarding Mo’unga’s situation. Either NZR has stepped up their offer (big time) or RMo has had a reality check on what it will be like to be outside of the high performance environment of AB rugby. Maybe both. It reads like there are only a few remaining details to be sorted out before it is a done deal.
1 Go to commentsCurrently, a prop that has been substituted can go back on field if his original replacement gets injured. Can a red carded prop go back if his replacement gets injured, or will it be uncontested scrums?
11 Go to commentsWhat about a free kick from a scrum? Can you call another scrum? Or are they just giving straight penalties now?
28 Go to commentsLoved that comment by Andrew that the ‘water boys’ rule was changed in 2020 just to stymie the Boks!
28 Go to commentsOne of the best the Boks have ever produced. PSDT has an engine that goes non-stop for the full 80 min.
5 Go to commentsThe real deal.
5 Go to commentsIt’s been said that Nienaber will head back to SA too before next World Cup , hoarding all the amazing IP gained in Irish system … get a grip … Irish system needs to Milk the likes of Barrett . First time a leading all Black in his prime has gone to Ireland for any period of time . Enjoy it .
20 Go to comments20 min RC is the only good solution of a bunch of bad solutions. Ridiculous that it has taken this long and caused so many uneven contests. In general these are all very good changes - one is surprised that NH brokers were able to see sense at long last.
11 Go to comments“While a red card will mean a temporary team disadvantage, the replacement system will focus punishment on the offending player instead of disrupting the game itself.” This might work for amateur rugby, where players just want to be on the pitch for as long as possible, but hopefully we’ve got to a point where top level professionals care about the success of their team much more than about whether they personally are on the pitch or not.
11 Go to commentsa lot of focus on the targeting of south africa, but aspects of this are positive. The croc roll; the offside law; and time limits on set pieces are all good. calling for a mark off kick offs is baffling, but I guess we’ll see how it plays out in practice
28 Go to commentsSpeeding the game up is great, but I think we will find that the increase in viewership this year mostly comes down to the competition being more competitive…the fall of the Crusaders has been a boon for viewership. This should be at the heart of super rugby changes - how to make the comp more even
23 Go to commentsThe fact that the press were largely to blame for his taking a break is nothing short of disgusting. He’s made a few mistakes but difficult to name a player of any substance who gives it a full go hasn’t also made mistakes? On behalf of a large number of Bokke fans, bring back Farrell !!!!!
1 Go to commentsPSTD is a fantastic flanker. He could benefit from a bit of self-promotion / flair and he is not quite the danger man that Ardie is. That said, he is my 1st pick to build a backrow around. His speed and hustle made up for Duane who got quite a bit slower at the 8.
5 Go to commentssurprised, disco lights haven't been banned by world rugby board
28 Go to commentsToo many changes. Too often. I’m tired of this WR administration. How do we vote these fockers out? Bill needs to go.
28 Go to commentsDu Toit, 2 time W.Cup winner yet rarely mentioned a “Great “…if one looks back on his stellar carrier perhaps someone will one day elevate him to “Richie” status…a quiet, polite yet devastating loose forward that knew action speaks louder than words..
5 Go to commentsI like the offside rule, but this won't affect my team because all their kicks gets chased and that putts everyone on side. Lekker manne!
28 Go to comments20 minute Red Card is untenable. If you don’t punish the whole team, coaches won’t be sufficently incentivised to pick players with, or coach better tackle technique.
11 Go to commentsI can only think of One time ever a team has opted for a scrum from a free kick… Why the law change I wonder
28 Go to commentsYeah, its not going to work. But we see you World Rugby.
28 Go to comments