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
Sign up to our free sport newsletter for all the latest news on everything from cycling to boxing
Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news
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:
Argentina set up World Cup quarter-final meeting with Wales after beating Japan
Argentina set up a World Cup quarter-final against Wales as Mateo Carreras’ hat-trick helped them see off Japan 39-27 in their winner-takes-all Pool D clash.
With both sides knowing victory would see them take second place in the pool at the other’s expense to join table-toppers England in the next round, Los Pumas sealed the spot after scoring five tries in Nantes, with Carreras the star man.
A fast start by Michael Cheika’s side saw Santiago Chocobares burst through a crowd of players to cross in the second minute, with Emiliano Boffelli successfully converting.
Jamie Joseph’s Japan hit back in the 16th minute when Amato Fakatava chipped over a defender, reclaimed the ball and touched down, and Rikiya Matsuda kicked the extras, before the Brave Blossoms were reduced to 14 men by a yellow card for Pieter Labuschagne.
Carerras then registered his first try to put Argentina back in front in the 28th minute and a subsequent penalty from Boffelli - who had missed one earlier, along with his second conversion attempt - made it 15-7.
Japan again rallied, with Naoto Saito crossing and Matsuda converting to leave a point in it heading into the interval.
Carreras registered his second try, converted by Boffelli, early in the second half, before a Matsuda penalty and Lomano Lemeki drop goal closed the gap to two points at 22-20.
Argentina then wrapped things up as Boffelli scored a try and converted, and Carreras subsequently completed his treble, with Nicolas Sanchez kicking that conversion and a further penalty with five minutes left.
They will now take on Wales in Marseille on Saturday.
PA
Pablo Matera’s tournament in doubt after suffering injury against Japan
And, as feared, it sounds like it could be bad news for Pablo Matera - Michael Cheika has said that the flanker’s hamstring injury could well be a tournament-ender. Tough news for a key figure in the Pumas pack.
Argentina book place in World Cup quarter-finals with win over Japan
The winner of Wales-Argentina, incidentally, will take on either Ireland or New Zealand in the semi-finals. You’d imagine Michael Cheika will fancy his side’s chances against a Welsh side dealing with some tough injury news - though we await further word on the severity of the issue that forced Pablo Matera’s first-half withdrawal today.
FT: Japan 27-39 Argentina
Japan’s tournament, meanwhile, is at an end. It was a valiant effort from a side hoping they had one more last eight dance in them, but they never quite had enough to take control of a game in which they were pretty much always playing from behind. Jamie Joseph’s time in charge comes to an end in disappointing fashion, but that should not overshadow the progress his side have made over the last seven years.
FT: Japan 27-39 Argentina
Hugs and backslaps between Argentine teammates - job done. Michael Cheika’s men will face Wales in Marseille next Saturday, and while they’ll have to tighten up defensively, their attacking game looks in fine fettle. Mateo Carreras was the hat-trick hero, with Emiliano Bofelli excellent on the other wing too and Marcos Kremer a constant, crunching menace at flanker.
Japan 27-39 Argentina, 79 minutes
The Argentina fans in Nantes are positivel bouncing, a blue and white blur with their team a minute away from the last eight.
And how about that for a statement scrum - Japan march back at a rate of knots and the penalty is Argentina’s as time tick, tick, ticks away.
Japan 27-39 Argentina, 78 minutes
A wretched lineout and Japan are accidentally offside! Argentina disrupted Sakate’s throw, and then an intelligently timed counter-ruck forces the ball free. Off a Japanese shin it tumbles forward into a teammate - Los Pumas are heading to the quarter finals.
Japan 27-39 Argentina, 77 minutes
It’s now or never for Japan. Warner Dearns carries firmly and frees offloading limbs, combining with lock partner Jack Cornelsen. Japan move rightward, an Argentine front five forward twisted and turned as he crabs across, but just about performing his defensive duties.
Penalty to Japan for a tackle off the ball. Rikiya Matsuda takes a beat to make totally certain of his punt to the corner. He nails it. Atushi Sakate will throw five metres out.
Julian Montoya is replaced; Agustin Creevy, Argentina’s most capped player, is on at hooker.
PENALTY! Japan 27-39 ARGENTINA (Nicolas Sanchez penalty, 75 minutes)
Bullseye. Argentina lead by 12 with five minutes to play.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies