Samoa’s full-back Duncan Paia’aua (C) challenges Argentina’s full-back Juan Cruz Mallia (C/L) for a high ball
(AFP via Getty Images)
Samoa have the potential to blow Pool D wide open when they take on Argentina in Saint-Etienne this evening. Seilala Mapusua’s men secured a bonus point win over Chile last time out, despite playing far from their best, and come into tonight’s Rugby World Cup clash sitting second in the Pool.
Victory over Argentina will put Samoa on level points with England making the final Pool games more intriguing than expected. Argentina, meanwhile, will hope to improve from their opener against Steve Borthwick’s men. Michael Cheika’s Pumas entered the tournament with hopes of topping Pool D but struggled to exert themselves on the contest.
Now, they face the prospect of an early exit and must click into geat against a solid Samoan side some pushing for a last eight place. How will the Pumas fare this evening?
Follow all the action from the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard. Plus get the latest Rugby World Cup odds here.
Rugby World Cup 2023: Argentina vs Samoa
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KNOCK ON Argentina 0 – 0 Samoa 3 mins
A knock on from Matías Moroni in the slippery conditions and Samoa have the first scrum of the match.
Imogen Ainsworth22 September 2023 16:53
YELLOW CARD Argentina 0 -0 Samoa 35 seconds
It’s an incredibly early yellow card for Duncan Paia’aua after pushing a player in the back and playing fly-half Santiago Carreras in the air. Samoa are down to 14 players after only 35 seconds, and the card has gone for off-field review.
Imogen Ainsworth22 September 2023 16:50
KICK OFF Argentina 0 – 0 Samoa
Samoa start with their traditional Siva Tau before their fly half Christian Leali’ifano gets the match started in the rain.
This is a huge match for Argentina, they must win if they hope to make it to the quarter-finals.
Imogen Ainsworth22 September 2023 16:48
Anthems!
First we’ll have the anthems Stade Geoffroy-Guichard before the match kicks off, starting with Argentina, then Samoa.
Imogen Ainsworth22 September 2023 16:39
Ten minutes to go!
Ten minutes now until kick-off now between Argentina and Samoa at Stade Geoffroy-Guichard in Saint-Étienne!
Imogen Ainsworth22 September 2023 16:35
Schwalger: ‘We know exactly what we expect’
Samoa assistant coach Mahonri Schwalger spoke of the importance of getting a win. He said: “World (Cup) rugby is all about winning. We’re focused on getting that ‘W’ tomorrow, we will do anything we can do to make sure we get that.
“We embrace the game tomorrow, we know exactly what we expect. As Samoans we love the physicality, so we are looking forward to it and I know there’s going to be some sore bodies tomorrow. We are just going to throw everything into it. It’s (physicality) in our DNA, the way we play.
“It’s going to be tough tomorrow, especially the Argentina supporters will be here tomorrow. Our people back home will be glued to the TV and I know our boys will put on a good performance and make them proud.”
“It’s just we can cope with pressure, especially in these big games we’ve got in the next couple of weeks.
“The last couple of days we have been talking about how we can transition from attack and defence and try and apply pressure against Argentina.”
Imogen Ainsworth22 September 2023 16:30
Chocobares: ‘If we give their players space, it will be a long afternoon’
Centre Santiago Chocobares spoke of the threat that Samoa pose when given space. He said: “If we give their players space, it will be a long afternoon. Their centres are very strong and when they have the ball in their hands, they put their team on the front foot. Our challenge is to have a good defence and generate attacking opportunities.”
“We couldn’t have prepared better for this game. It was a nice week of training, so we will be ready. Regarding the Samoans centres, I have played against them in the Top 14 so I know they are good players, physically and technically.”
“It is my first Rugby World Cup, for me everything is new: every game, every moment, every preparation we are doing. I’m living it like this, as if it were my first and last World Cup. This pressure that has been talked about and the importance of the game tomorrow, we have to put it aside and enjoy these moments before a big game.”
Imogen Ainsworth22 September 2023 16:20
Contepomi: ‘The way we selected the bench was strategic’
Before the match, Argentina assistant coach Felipe Contepomi spoke of the team’s wealth of experience on the bench, in particular Tomás Cubelli and Nicolás Sánchez. He said: “The way we selected the bench was strategic as in the previous game. We almost always go with three backs, although perhaps the difference was in the last game (only two). Changing this is pure strategy according to what we want to do in certain circumstances of the game.
“Obviously having such experienced players on the bench or on the field is very good. Cubelli, Sánchez and Creevy have a lot of experience and could be very beneficial if they have to come on at some point in the game.”
Imogen Ainsworth22 September 2023 16:10
A potential 99th cap for Sanchez
If Argentina’s Nicolas Sanchez is used in this match he’ll earn his 99th cap but has played just 114 minutes of test rugby this season. He’s the country’s all-time leading points scorer (863), and the most capped back-line player.
Imogen Ainsworth22 September 2023 16:00
Argentina team
Michael Cheika has also made three changes, including the addition of experienced back Matías Moroni who starts at 13. Joining him in the starting team are Eduardo Bello and Guido Petti in the front and second row.
Argentina XV: Juan Cruz Mallia, Emiliano Boffelli, Matías Moroni, Santiago Chocobares, Mateo Carreras, Santiago Carreras, Gonzalo Bertranou Thomas Gallo, Julian Montoya (capt.), Eduardo Bello,Guido Petti Pagadizabal, Matias Alemanno, Pablo Matera, Marcos Kremer, Juan Martin Gonzalez
Replacements: Agustín Creevy, Mayco Vivas, Francisco Gómez Kodela, Pedro Rubiolo, Rodrigo Bruni, Tomas Cubelli, Nicolas Sanchez, Lucio Cinti
Imogen Ainsworth22 September 2023 15:50