In a thrilling Rugby World Cup Pool D encounter, Argentina’s full-back, Emiliano Boffelli, emerged as the standout performer, orchestrating a nervy yet triumphant victory over Samoa at Stade Geoffroy Guichard in Saint-Etienne.
Boffelli’s multifaceted contribution included a crucial try, three penalties, and a conversion. The tension reached its peak as Samoa narrowed the gap to six points with a late try by Sama Malolo, but Argentina held their nerve, sealing the result with a decisive Nicolas Sanchez penalty.
Boffelli Shines as Argentina Prevails
In a fiercely contested Rugby World Cup clash, Argentina found redemption with Emiliano Boffelli as their talisman. Boffelli’s remarkable performance, featuring the only try of the match and precise kicking, propelled the Pumas to a pivotal victory over Samoa at the Stade Geoffroy Guichard in Saint-Etienne.
This win comes as a much-needed respite for Argentina following their previous defeat to England just two weeks ago. England currently leads Pool D with nine points from two games, while Samoa sits in second place, four points behind.
The Argentinean squad, now in fourth place with four points, faced early pressure that was alleviated when Samoa’s Paia’aua received a yellow card within the opening minute for a dangerous aerial challenge.
Emiliano Boffelli’s remarkable contributions were instrumental in Argentina’s resurgence. His performance included scoring the sole try of the match and converting it successfully.
Boffelli, who plays his club rugby with Edinburgh, further displayed his prowess by adding three penalties to Argentina’s tally. This impressive display, combined with Nicolas Sanchez’s late penalty, underscored Argentina’s dominance in the second half, allowing them to secure the victory.
A Lethal Combination
Samoa faced a challenging situation with Paia’aua’s sin-binning, and the consequences were immediate as Argentina seized the chance. Boffelli’s try, followed by his conversion, propelled Argentina into the lead.
The Edinburgh wing continued to shine, adding three successful penalties to the scoreboard. Samoa’s response came through a penalty from Leali’ifano, but his missed attempts, including two opportunities, left valuable points on the table.
In the latter stages of the match, Samoa’s determined defense mounted a comeback effort. Sama Malolo’s late try, converted by Alai D’Angelo Leuila, ignited hopes of a dramatic turnaround.
However, Argentina showcased resilience and held their ground, securing the victory with Nicolas Sanchez’s remarkable final-minute penalty kick from near halfway.
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The Path Forward
For Argentina, this victory not only redeems them but also rekindles their hopes of advancing in the tournament. Following the setback against England, securing crucial points in this match provides them with optimism for the journey ahead. Their next challenge awaits in the form of South American rivals Chile as they seek to maintain their momentum.
Meanwhile, Samoa faces a battle, with critical matches against both Japan and England on the horizon. Building on their winning start against Chile will be important as they aim to progress in the Rugby World Cup.
Argentina’s next test is against Chile on Saturday, September 30, in their third Rugby World Cup Pool D game, which takes place at Stade de la Beaujoire in Nantes (2 pm BST kick-off). Samoa’s upcoming match is against Japan on Thursday, September 28, at Stadium de Toulouse (8 pm BST kick-off) as they look to get their place in the tournament’s later stages.
