Japan vs Argentina LIVE: Rugby World Cup result and reaction as Pumas book quarter-final place
The winner of today’s Pool D clash will join England in the quarter-finals
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Your support makes all the difference.Argentina booked their place in the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals with victory over Japan in Nantes.
Mateo Carreras was the star in a captivating, winner-takes-all Pool D encounter, with the dynamite wing scoring a hat-trick to take the Pumas to a thrilling 39-27 win.
Michael Cheika’s men advance to a meeting with Pool C winners Wales next Saturday in Marseille, with their attacking game appearing to be in fine fettle as Argentina eye a deep tournament run.
For Japan, though, the World Cup is over, with defeat at the Stade de la Beaujoire also bringing the curtain down on Jamie Joseph’s time in charge.
The head coach’s seven year stint overseeing the Brave Blossoms had lifted Japanese rugby to new heights, and while this campaign proved a tournament too far for a squad in need of a refresh, Joseph will depart very much in credit.
Japan finish third in Pool D and will therefore qualify automatically for the 2027 World Cup in Australia, with Wallabies coach Eddie Jones among those linked to the vacancy that Joseph leaves.
Relive all the action from the Pool D qualification decider, and get all the latest Rugby World Cup odds and tips right here:
Japan 27-36 Argentina, 74 minutes
Is that it for Japan’s tournament? Asaeli Ai Valu clatters Santiago Chocobares off the ball, and this is kickable for Nicolas Sanchez. Three points here would surely seal it...
Japan 27-36 Argentina, 71 minutes
Thumping defence! That’s what Argentina needed, a powerful defensive set to puncture Japan’s spirit. Replacement half backs Lautaro Bazan Velez and Nicolas Sanchez combine to set the tone in the first phase, and their teammates follow thereafter, Joel Sclavi among those making defensive dents to force a knock on.
Japan 27-36 Argentina, 70 minutes
But Argentina just keep on giving Japan chances to get back in the game. Another restart, another error - Japan will feed a scrum in Argentina’s 22.
Matias Moroni replaces Lucio Cinti in the centres.
TRY! Japan 27-36 ARGENTINA (Mateo Carreras try, 69 minutes)
An Argentine hat-trick hero!
Mateo Carreras, you are dynamite! Argentina’s wings are proving the difference today, initial inroads made up the right via Emiliano Boffelli’s smooth strides before it’s over to the diminutive Carreras with advantage coming. There are four or five red and white shirts in the vicinity as Carreras collects, but he’s just so quick off the mark, leaving Ryoto Nakamura on the back foot as he chops his feet into the floor. A shimmy and a shake and the wideman almost seems to apparate into space, scurrying under the posts to give Nicolas Sanchez a simple conversion.
Japan 27-29 Argentina, 68 minutes
Can Argentina reset? Their most experienced players lead an extended discussion as they make their way back up to halfway for the restart.
TRY! JAPAN 27-29 Argentina (Jone Naikabula try, 66 minutes)
This time Jone Naikabula is utilised and this time he has his score!
What a game this is turning into. Every time Argentina seem to be pulling away, Japan hit back. They don’t waste energy with a set piece, electing to tap the penalty quickly and settle into their attacking shape. A forward carrier sets the platform and then it is twice out the back, sharp handling leaving enough room for replacement wing Naikabula to take Lomano Lemeki’s pass and power through Juan Cruz Mallia to the line.
Now, can Rikiya Matsuda convert? Of course he can - it’s a two-point game!
Japan 20-29 Argentina, 65 minutes
Japan throw to the front, a grounded Michael Leitch clutching it as his forward colleagues pour into the maul. Argentina repel the drive, but Siosaia Fifita and Warner Dearns regather momentum with a pair of forthright carries.
Away to the right, where there is an overlap...but the pass never comes! Surely it had to go with Jone Naikabula all alone with open acreage in front of him? Japan do have a penalty to return to...
Japan 20-29 Argentina, 63 minutes
Argentina just can’t quite put Japan away. Another handling error leads to a scrum, and Japan win a scrum penalty as Argentina are deemed to have failed to have taken the hit. Japan find the corner
Japan 20-29 Argentina, 61 minutes
Stern defence from Emiliano Boffelli. Japan throw the ball out to the left and grant Siosaia Fifita a one-on-one opportunity, backing their powerful wing to go over the top of the slighter Argentine opposite him. But Boffelli is strong enough, swatting away an attempted hand-off and driving Fifita towards touch. The pair exchange a word or two, swapping grins - it’s been a good battle on that touchline today.
Japan 20-29 Argentina, 60 minutes
Veteran ten Nicolas Sanchez replaces Santiago Carreras as Argentina try to see this out. Lautaro Bazan Velez is on for Bertranou at scrum half, too, while Kotaro Matsushima has departed for Japan - Jone Naikabula is his replacement.
Mateo Carreras punts the ball away in frustration after knocking on inside his own 22.
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