Argentina to Open RWC 2019 Against France

Argentina is to open RWC 2019 against France. Today’s announcement handed Los Pumas a demanding scheduled for Rugby World Cup 2019. The South Americans will open against France on September 21 and end their pool matches against the USA on October 09. This represents four matches in nineteen days. France will have

Having been drawn together with fellow powerhouses, England and France there was always going to be teams playing on a reduced turn-around. While it is not ideal for Argentina it is far from being as complicated as was the schedule in Rugby World Cup 2003 in Australia.

In looking to replicate Rugby World Cup 2007, the tournament organizers will have Argentina play France in their opening match. Set to be played in Tokyo Stadium on September 21 it is to be one of the biggest matches on the opening weekend.

Sevens days later Argentina will return to the field. Their second match is to be a repeat of Rugby World Cup 2015. The physically demanding Tongans await Argentina at the Hanazono Rugby Stadium in Osaka on September 28.

In an additional seven days Argentina face pool favorites, England. The decisive match will take place at Tokyo Stadium, the same venue as Los Pumas’ tournament opener. It is also to be a Saturday afternoon fixture.

The one Pumas match that is not to be on a Saturday is the final game. Argentina are to take on the USA on Wednesday October 05 at Kumagaya Rugby Stadium. With it Argentina will be the first country from Pool C to complete pool matches.

The possibility exists for Argentina to be eliminated early. In facing two Tier 1 sides in their opening three matches the South Americans will require a win over at least one of England or France in addition to Tonga or they will be out of the tournament prior to facing the USA.

Should Argentina play well and advance to the Quarter Finals then they will face a Pool C team in Oita. The winner of Argentina’s Pool will face the runner-up of Pool D while the runner-up of Argentina’s pool will face the winner of Pool D. Competing in Pool D are Australia, Wales, Georgia, Fiji and Americas 2 (Canada or Uruguay).