Montoya hat trick leads Pumas over Tonga

A first-half hat trick from Julián Montoya led Argentina to a 28-12 win over Tonga at Hanazono Stadium on Saturday afternoon in Osaka. It was the first win of the Rugby World Cup for Los Pumas but it was far from convincing as they fell off badly in the second half, scoring zero points after the 27 minute mark.

They could not have asked for a better start with 21 points scored in the opening quarter. After earning a penalty straight in front of the sticks, they turned down the three points in exchange for a lineout and the gamble paid off. A cheeky lineout move at the front saw the ball come straight back to Montoya and he dove into the corner for his first try. Benjamín Urdapilleta nailed the sideline conversion to make it seven.

Montoya’s second came from a more conventional lineout drive, this time leaving Urdapilleta a simple kick. Immediately following the restart Los Pumas were in again as poor handling in the Tongan backline left a loose ball for Santiago Carreras to race clear from halfway. The hat trick was complete when Montoya powered through three defenders on the post to reach the line. Another straightforward kick from Urdapilleta made it 28-0.

Whatever was said under the posts by captain Siale Piutau seemed to work as the Tongans roared back into the game. Zane Kapeli charged down Urdapilleta’s clearance attempt, and the Ikale Tahi took full advantage of the position. The ball went wide to Telusa Veainu, the fullback curling around the outside for the try. Tane Takulua’s successful kick was met with applause from those in attendance.

It looked for all money that Tonga would score again just before the intermission. Kapeli was put into space and the flanker opted to find his winger David Halaifonua for the finish. He dove for the corner but Tomás Lavanini came flying across to knock Halaifonua into touch with what looked like a shoulder charge. The on-field officials asked for the TMO’s help and surprisingly ruled the tackle legitimate. Lavanini escaped sanction and the whistle blew for halftime.

The second half would be utterly forgettable from an Argentine perspective. It took 25 minutes for points to be scored but the Tongans had the bit between their teeth and put in some shuddering tackles while the Pumas floundered. At last after considerable pressure Veainu went in for his double, a spectacular diving finish into the corner giving the Tongans some hope.

Nicolas Sanchez came on as a replacement and would have a shot at goal to ease Argentine concerns but his kick from straight in front drifted wide right. To their relief, Tonga would not make another mark on the scoreboard. The final whistle came with frustration etched across the face of the South Americans.

Next up for Los Pumas is a titanic battle against England in Tokyo in one week’s time, with their Quarter Final hopes likely on the line. Tonga will take credit from their final 50 minutes and prepare for France, who they will meet at Kumamoto next Sunday.

 

SCORING

ARGENTINA 28
Tries – J. Montoya 3 (7′, 17′, 26′), S. Carreras (20′)
Cons – B. Urdapilleta 4/4 (8′, 18′, 21′, 27′)
Pens – N. Sánchez 0/1

TONGA 12
Tries – T. Veainu 2 (30′, 66′)
Cons – T. Takulua 1/1 (31′), J. Faiva 0/1

 

TEAMS

ARGENTINA
1 Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro (17 Mayco Vivas 44′), 2 Julián Montoya (16 Agustín Creevy 44′), 3 Juan Figallo (18 Santiago Medrano 44′), 4 Guido Petti, 5 Tomás Lavanini (19 Matías Alemanno 55′), 6 Pablo Matera (capt.) (20 Javier Ortega Desio 44′), 7 Marcos Kremer, 8 Tomás Lezana, 9 Tomás Cubelli (21 Felipe Ezcurra 74′), 10 Benjamín Urdapilleta (22 Nicolás Sánchez 55′), 11 Santiago Carreras, 12 Jerónimo de la Fuente, 13 Matías Orlando (23 Bautista Delguy 58′), 14 Matías Moroni, 15 Emiliano Boffelli

TONGA
1 Siegfried Fisi’ihoi (17 Vunipola Fifita 65′), 2 Paula Ngauamo (16 Sefo Sakalia 53′), 3 Ben Tameifuna (18 Ma’afu Fia HT), 4 Sam Lousi, 5 Leva Fifita, 6 Sione Kalamafoni (19 Steve Mafi 65′), 7 Zane Kapeli (20 Fotu Lokotui 53′), 8 Ma’ama Vaipulu, 9 Tane Takulua (21 Leon Fukofuka 65′), 10 James Faiva, 11 David Halaifonua, 12 Siale Piutau (capt.) (23 Cooper Vuna 14′-24′), 13 Mali Hingano (22 Latiume Fosita 74′), 14 Viliami Lolohea (23 Cooper Vuna 43′), 15 Telusa Veainu

 

MATCH OFFICIALS

Referee: Jaco Peyper (South Africa)
Assistants: Ben O’Keeffe (New Zealand) & Brendon Pickerill (New Zealand)
TMO: Rowan Kitt (England)

 

Attendance: 21,917