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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

Sunday 08 October 2023 14:30 BST

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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:

Ireland march into last eight as Scottish hopes swept away

I, meanwhile, was at the Stade de France to watch Ireland produce a performance to strike fear into the other nations at this tournament as Scotland’s dreams to be most decisively dashed.

Ireland march past Scotland and give the World Cup a performance to fear

Ireland 36-14 Scotland: Ireland secure top spot in Pool B with a magnificent display in Paris to knock Scotland out of the World Cup

Harry Latham-Coyle8 October 2023 11:05

England squeak past Samoa

England also go into the last eight unbeaten, but not before being given a mighty fright by an impressive Samoa. Luke Baker was in Lille:

England’s lucky escape can’t hide identity crisis threatening to derail World Cup

England 18-17 Samoa: Danny Care’s late try saw England avoid a historic defeat but they face huge questions ahead of the quarter-finals

Harry Latham-Coyle8 October 2023 11:01

About yesterday...

Just before we focus in fully on Japan-Argentina, let’s check in on all of yesterday’s action - and it was a potentially damaging day for Wales despite sealing top spot in Pool C...

Taulupe Faletau ruled out of tournament in blow to Wales’ World Cup hopes

The number eight suffered a broken arm in the win over Georgia in Nantes

Harry Latham-Coyle8 October 2023 10:57