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World Cup thriller: Rampant Carreras helps Argentina sink Japan
By PA
Argentina set up a World Cup quarter-final against Wales as Mateo Carreras’ hat-trick helped them see off Japan 39-27 in their winner-takes-all Pool D clash.
With both sides knowing victory would see them take second place in the pool at the other’s expense to join table-toppers England in the next round, Los Pumas sealed the spot after scoring five tries in Nantes, with Carreras the star man.
A fast start by Michael Cheika’s side saw Santiago Chocobares burst through a crowd of players to cross in the second minute, with Emiliano Boffelli successfully converting.
Jamie Joseph’s Japan hit back in the 16th minute when Amata Fakatava chipped over a defender, reclaimed the ball and touched down, and Rikiya Matsuda kicked the extras, before the Brave Blossoms were reduced to 14 men by a yellow card for Pieter Labuschagne.
Carerras then registered his first try to put Argentina back in front in the 28th minute and a subsequent penalty from Boffelli – who had missed one earlier, along with his second conversion attempt – made it 15-7.
Japan again rallied, with Naoto Saito crossing and Matsuda converting to leave a point in it heading into the interval.
Carreras registered his second try, converted by Boffelli, early in the second half, before a Matsuda penalty and Lomano Lemeki drop goal closed the gap to two points at 22-20.
Argentina then wrapped things up as Boffelli scored a try and converted, and Carreras subsequently completed his treble, with Nicolas Sanchez kicking that conversion and a further penalty with five minutes left.
They will now take on Wales in Marseille on Saturday.
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Don't think you've watched enough. But let's see how the future pans out. I'm quietly confident we have a row of 10's lined uo who would each start in many really good teams.
Go to commentsHopefully Joe stays where he is. That would mean Les, McKellar, larkham and Cron should as well. It’s the stability we need in the state programs. But, if Joe goes, RA with its current financial situation will be forced into promoting from within. And this will likely destabilise other areas.
To better understand some of the entrenched bitterness of those outside of NZ and NSW (as an example 😂), Nic, there is probably a comparison to the old hard heads of welsh rugby who are still stuck in the 1970s. Before the days where clubs merged, professionalism started, and the many sharp knives were put into the backs of those who loved the game more than everyone else. I’m sure you know a few... But given your comparison of rugby in both wales and Australia, there are a few north of the tweed that will never trust a kiwi or NSWelshman because of historical events and issues over the history of the game. It is what it is. For some, time does not heal all wounds. And it is still festering away in some people. Happy holidays to you. All the best in 2025.
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