Americas Rugby News Rugby news from across the Americas!
Argentina beat Fiji in an emphatic victory today, winning 41-14 in Santa Fé. The result moves Los Pumitas up to second spot in the pool to be above Wales, and Fiji, and behind France who they face in their final pool match.
Los Pumitas will face France on Wednesday. With Argentina on 6 points, Wales 4, and France 10 a win is required for the South Americans to realistically advance in the competition.
The win was convincing but was more about defense than offense. Los Pumitas held a 10-0 lead at half-time. It came from tries to fly half Joaquín de la Vega Mendía, and fullback Ignacio Mendy. Both saw the players spotting gaps and beating defenders to score.
de la Vega Mendía was unable to convert either try and would have goal-kicking issues in general throughout the afternoon.
In the second half Bautista Pedemonte reinforced his future credentials. The impressive ball-carrier barged, breaking a tackle and taking two further Fijians with him as he touched down.
Fiji had two disallowed tries in the first half. Eventually they would score with second-rower Etonia Waqa to make it a 15-7 scoreline.
The game seemingly was alive as a contest though it would not last. The home side made sure that they would respond through winger Rodrigo Isgro, and forwards Ramiro Gurovich, Thomas Gallo. Both front-row replacements were able to capitalize on forward dominance close to the line.
In a similar incident to Fiji’s first try their second saw Alivereti Loaloa catching the Argentine defense sleeping to easily dart over. But it was Los Pumitas’ day and they would have the final say with a penalty try.
Next up for Argentina is France on Wednesday in Rosario. Fiji will remain in Santa Fé to face Wales. Based on results thus far in the group there is plenty more to look forward to.
SCORING
ARGENTINA 41
Try: De La Vega Mendía, Mendy, Pedemonte, Isgro, Gurovich, Gallo, Penalty Try
Conversion: de la Vega Mendía (2)
Yellow Card: Pedemonte
FIJI 14
Try: Waqa, Loaloa
Conversion: Kuruvoli (2)
TEAMS
ARGENTINA
1 Francisco Minervino, 2 Pablo Dimcheff, 3 Francisco Coria, 4 Manuel Bernstein, 5 Lucas Bur, 6 Jerónimo González Vara, 7 Juan Martín González, 8 Bautista Pedemonte, 9 Gonzalo García, 10 Joaquín De la Vega Mendía, 11 Mateo Carreras, 12 Santiago Chocobares, 13 Juan Pablo Castro, 14 Rodrigo Isgro, 15 Ignacio Mendy
Replacements: 16 Thomas Gallo, 17 Ramiro Gurovich, 18 Francisco Calandra, 19 Estanislao Carullo, 20 Agustín Toth, 21 Ramiro Tallone, 22 Juan Cruz Pérez Rachel, 23 Federico Parnas, 24 Joaquín Pellandini, 25 Gerónimo Prisciantelli, 26 Nicolás Roger, 27 Tomás Acosta Pimentel, 28 Marcos Moneta
FIJI
1 Livai Rasala Natave, 2 Tevita Ikanivere (capt.), 3 Joseva Nasaroa, 4 Etonia Waqa, 5 Christopher Minimbi, 6 Vilive Miramira, 7 Alivereti Loaloa, 8 Aminasi Shaw, 9 Simioni Kuruvoli, 10 Caleb Muntz, 11 Epeli Momo, 12 Issac Ratumaitavuki, 13 Varesa Tuqovu, 14 Ilaisa Droasese, 15 Ratu Waqaninavatu
Replacements: 16 Lino Mairara, 17 Emosi Tuqiri, 18 Elijah Kuilamu, 19 Taniela Ramasibana, 20 Anasa Qaranivalu, 21 Eparama Sailo, 22 Josh Vuta, 23 Mesake Kurisaru
