Wales 17-29 Argentina - Pumas clinch stunning victory to reach 2023 Rugby World Cup semi-finals

Tries from Joel Sclavi and Nicolas Sanchez, as well as 16 points from Emiliano Boffelli for Argentina, secured their place in the semi-finals of the 2023 Rugby World Cup with a 29-17 win over Wales.

Scores from Dan Biggar and Tomos Williams for Wales, as well as 12 points from Biggar, were not enough to keep them in the tournament despite a valiant effort in Marseille.

Kickers Biggar and Boffelli scored all of the points in the first half. Biggar opened the scoring as a charging run from George North in the midfield set up an offload to Gareth Davies, who then found the fly-half on his inside shoulder. Biggar scored under the posts in the 14th minute and gave himself an easy conversion for a perfect start in Marseille.

Immediately after Biggar’s try, referee Jaco Peyper left the field injured. He was replaced by English referee Karl Dickson, who would referee the remainder of the quarter-final clash.

Wales squandered lineout opportunities with three poor attempts, but their efforts in the wide channels and in defence slightly made up for their errors in the set piece.

After enjoying early possession, Argentina failed to convert through tries, but their points were built up through the boot of Boffelli. A cheap shot from Welsh winger Josh Adams just before half-time gave Argentina their second penalty of the match to move them within four points (10-6) before the break.

Los Pumas moved ahead in the second half through a further two penalties from Boffelli before Wales were moved back into the lead by Williams. The replacement scrum-half spotted a gap, and after a show and go raced away to score under the posts in 55th minute. Biggar provided excellent support outside him, but Williams sailed away solo to put Wales ahead.

Joel Sclavi drew Argentina level as he muscled over the line following a lineout before Boffelli’s boot put Los Pumas ahead with a conversion as the final ten minutes approached.

Sanchez, who won his 100th cap just weeks before, then snuck away with a cleverly read interception of the wrap-around play to extend Argentina’s lead in the 77th minute. He scored under the posts to move Los Pumas further out of reach.

Sanchez slotted a final penalty with the clock in the red to seal their place in the semi-finals after a spirited comeback in the south of France.

Warren Gatland’s side were the first to qualify for the quarter finals but it was Argentina who had the final word on the day. Argentina consistently built their score throughout the match as they captialsied on Welsh errors through the boot of Emiliano Boffelli before two late tries sealed the deal for Michael Cheika’s side in Marseille. They progress to the semi-finals in Paris where they will face either Ireland or New Zealand.

The Argentine was awarded player of the match in Marseille after a brilliantly controlled match in Marseille. After missing the first penalty opportunity, he replied with 16 points to secure the semi-final spot for Los Pumas. The Edinburgh winger slotted a 55 metre kick as Argentina began to turn the screw which additonally confirmed his threat from the tee at any range.

Wales XV: Williams 5, Rees-Zammit 6, North 7, Tompkins 7, Adams 5, Biggar 8, Davies 5; Thomas 5, Elias 5, Francis 5, Rowlands 5, Beard 5, Morgan (capt.) 7, Reffell 6, Wainwright 5

Replacements: Lake 6, Domachowski 5, Lewis 5, Jenkins 5, Tshiunza 6, Williams 8, Costelow 5, Dyer 6

Argentina XV: Mallia 7, Boffelli 9, Cinti, Chocobares, M. Carreras 6, S. Carreras 6, Cubelli 6; Gallo 6, Montoya (capt.)7, Gómez Kodela 6, Petti Pagadizabal 6, Lavanini 7, Gonzalez, Kremer 7, Isa 7

Replacements: Creevy 7, Sclavi 8, Bello 6, Alemanno 6, Bruni 6, Bazan Velez 6, Sanchez 9, Moroni 8

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