RECAP: Argentina v Tonga

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to the World Cup pool match between Argentina and Tonga in Osaka.

Semifinalists in 2007 and 2015, the Pumas started their Pool C campaign with a heartbreaking 21-23 loss to France.

MATCH REPORT: Argentina v Tonga

England, who’ve beaten both Tonga and the United States in their opening two matches, are expected to top Pool C and take one of the two quarter-final places on offer.

That means Argentina realistically require a bonus-point win over the Pacific islanders this weekend if they are to deprive France of the second qualifying spot.

Prediction: Giving their defeat to France, Los Pumas will be desperate to redeem themselves and an injured animal is a dangerous one. Adding the extra advantage are of the sunny conditions, thus Argentina will comfortably win this by 15 points.

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Teams:

Argentina: 15 Emiliano Boffelli, 14 Matias Moroni, 13 Matias Orlando, 12 Jeronimo De La Fuente, 11 Santiago Carreras, 10 Benjamin Urdapilleta, 9 Tomas Cubelli, 8 Tomas Lezana, 7 Marcos Kremer, 6 Pablo Matera (captain), 5 Tomas Lavanini, 4 Guido Petti, 3 Juan Figallo, 2 Julian Montoya, 1 Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro.

Replacements: 16 Agustin Creevy, 17 Mayco Vivas, 18 Santiago Medrano, 19 Matias Alemanno, 20 Javier Ortega Desio, 21 Felipe Ezcurra, 22 Nicolas Sanchez, 23 Bautista Delguy.

Tonga: 15 Telusa Veainu, 14 Villiami Lolohea, 13 Malietoa Hingano, 12 Siale Piutau (captain), 11 David Halaifonua, 10 James Faiva, 9 Sonatane Takulua, 8 Maama Vaipulu, 7 Zane Kapeli, 6 Sione Kalamafoni, 5 Halalevu Fifita, 4 Sam Louisi, 3 Ben Tameifuna, 2 Paula Ngauamo, 1 Siegfried Fisiíhoi.

Replacements: 16 Sosefo Sakalia, 17 Vunipola Fifita, 18 Ma’afu Fia, 19 Sitiveni Mafi, 20 Nasi Manu, 21 Leon Fukofuka , 22 Latiume Fosita, 23 Cooper Vuna.

Referee: Jaco Peyper (South Africa)

Assistant referees: Ben O’Keeffe (New Zealand), Brendon Pickerill (New Zealand)

TMO: Rowan Kitt (England)