Argentina and Japan played out a Rugby World Cup classic today, with the Argies winning out by a score of 39-27 at the Stade de la Beaujoire in Nantes.
It was a game filled with thrilling moments, including a hat-trick from POTM Santiago Carreras, and one of the great World Cup tries from Japan's second row Amato Fakatava.
Japan Score A World Cup Worldie Against Argentina
Try of the World Cup?
Abso-freakin-lutely 🔥pic.twitter.com/epHVWthF9D
— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) October 8, 2023
What the Fakatava just happened. Chip and chase from the big thoroughbred. Caviar. Hang it in the Louvre.
— Jamie Lyall (@JLyall93) October 8, 2023
Try of the tournament right there from Japan - insane!! #RWC
— Rob Kearney (@KearneyRob) October 8, 2023
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Japan's defence and exit plays were their downfall in the match, and despite coming back time and time again, they continually conceded very soon after scoring themselves.
None the less, there were some slick tries scored by both sides, including a first phase beauty from Emiliano Boffelli, and classy corner finish from Jone Naikabula, while Lomano Lemeki also slotted a superb drop-goal from near the half-way.
Japan fought right to the death and came close to getting over for a fourth try in the closing minutes, but Argentina held them out and will now face Wales in the quarter-finals.
𝐃𝐑𝐎𝐏 𝐆𝐎𝐀𝐋! 🚀
What a kick from Lomano Lemeki!
It's now a two-point game!!!#JPNvARG | #RWC2023 pic.twitter.com/q0Vi3wR4bT
— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) October 8, 2023
Boffelli secures the bonus point for Argentina, not that it really matters in this game!#ARGvJPN | #RWC2023 pic.twitter.com/ZHWCPbJu3i
— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) October 8, 2023
𝐉𝐀𝐏𝐀𝐍 𝐉𝐔𝐒𝐓 𝐊𝐄𝐄𝐏 𝐎𝐍 𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐆!
What a game this!!!#JPNvARG | #RWC2023 pic.twitter.com/gWgbNb3KUP
— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) October 8, 2023
"I am really proud of the boys and all the effort," said Japan's captain Kazuki Himeno after the game.
"We are disappointed about the result, the fans support is appreciated as it has been huge for us. We have tried to climb up the Mount Everest summit. However the legacy and the culture of Japanese rugby will continue from now on."
Hat-trick hero Carreras also spoke after the match, and thanked the immense support from the Argentinian fans.
"I want to say thank you to those who came here, I want to say thanks to the support today. This is for team and it is not a personal trophy [on being awarded player of the match].
"We spoke before the World Cup, we worked hard to get here and we are really happy and we have to keep working hard and enjoy it.
"We keep building, we have a lot to improve."
Argentina are through to the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals after winning a thriller 🇦🇷
Mateo Carreras with a hat-trick!
They will face Wales in the next round, while Japan are heading home. #BBCRugby #RWC2023 #JPNvARG pic.twitter.com/4tVMCQYJeA
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) October 8, 2023
That. Was. Wild!
Argentina book their place in the quarters after an epic battle against Japan #RWC2023 #JPNvARG pic.twitter.com/ysJWdHKQUX
— ESPN Scrum (@espnscrum) October 8, 2023
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭. 𝐀. 𝐆𝐚𝐦𝐞 🥹
It's 💔 for Japan but elation for Argentina 👏
Los Pumas have set up a QF tie with Wales next weekend 🇦🇷🏴 pic.twitter.com/eN0MEozhdH
— ITV Rugby (@ITVRugby) October 8, 2023
