Emiliano Boffelli scored 16 factors as Argentina saved their quarter-final hopes alive with a hard-earned victory over Samoa in Saint-Etienne in Pool D.

Argentina wing Boffelli transformed his personal attempt to kicked three penalties.

Sama Malolo powered over late on to arrange a frantic end however Nicolas Sanchez’s penalty sealed victory.

Former Australia fly-half Christian Leali’ifano missed two of his three penalties within the first half as Argentina led by 10 factors on the break.

The Pumas stay fourth within the desk regardless of what is simply their second ever win over the Pacific Islanders, who keep second behind leaders England.

Pumas underwhelm in victory

A lot was anticipated from Argentina earlier than this World Cup after a well-known first away win in New Zealand final yr and up to date away victories over England and Australia.

However the Pumas barely landed a shot towards the 14 males of England as they had been unable to adapt to the situations within the face of a George Ford kicking masterclass.

The soggy situations in Saint-Etienne meant the assembly with Samoa was at all times prone to be error-strewn sport, with restricted attacking rugby on show.

Samoa made the primary massive mistake with 28 seconds on the clock as full-back Duncan Paia’aua was despatched to the sin-bin for a useless sort out on Santiago Carreras within the air.

For the second sport in a row, Argentina had been dealing with 14 gamers, however this time they made their man benefit rely as Boffelli in the reduction of inside towards the visitors and grounded the ball with an outstretched arm.

The wing transformed his personal attempt to kicked two first-half penalties to maintain chipping away on the scoreboard – one thing Samoa couldn’t do as Leali’ifano missed a few penalties which must be taken at Check stage.

Samoa had been spirited in defence however lacked any attacking cohesion after the interval as Boffelli stretched the Pumas lead by one other three factors.

Substitute hooker Malolo smashed his means over the road for the primary attempt conceded by Argentina at this World Cup, and Alai D’Angelo Leuila’s conversion moved Samoa to inside six factors.

However Sanchez fired a long-range, last-gasp penalty over the posts to maneuver Argentina out of attain and deny Samoa a dropping bonus level, which might show to be essential within the battle for qualification for the final eight.

‘The higher staff gained’ – what they stated

Argentina’s participant of the match Boffelli stated: “We knew it would not be straightforward. Samoa are a robust staff. It was a vital win in the present day.

“It was a really robust sport. I’m completely happy for the staff. Thanks so much to everybody. The supporters had been unbelievable. We felt their help.”

Samoa captain Chris Vui after the sport, stated: “Extraordinarily happy with the boys in the present day. I believed the higher staff gained, all credit score to Argentina, they had been extra medical, so full credit score to them.”

On their attempt within the closing levels: “Yeah, the momentum was swinging our means and we thought we might have come again. We have got some learnings to take and a six-day turnaround to take into Japan.”

Line-ups

Argentina: Mallia; Boffelli, Moroni, Chocobares, M Carreras; S Carreras, Bertranou; Gallo, Montoya (capt), Bello, Pagadizabal, Alemanno, Matera, Kremer, Gonzalez.

Replacements: Creevy, Vivas, Kodela, Rubiolo, Bruni, Cubelli, Sanchez, Cinti.

Samoa: Paia’aua; Ah-Wong, Seuteni, Manu, Lam; Leali’ifano, Taumateine; Lay, Lam, Alo-Emile, Alainu’u’ese, Vui (capt), McFarland, Lee, Luatua.

Replacements: Malolo, Faumuina, Alaalatoa, Seu, Taufua, Matavao, Leuila, Toala

Referee: Nic Berry (Australia)