Japan vs Argentina

Click on any stream link below to watch the game

 Click on any link in the table above to watch the game.

-------------------------------------------------

On the final day of the 2023 Rugby World Cup group stages, a pivotal match in Pool D is set to commence as Japan and Argentina gear up for a face-off at the Stade de la Beaujoire in Nantes on Sunday afternoon. Both teams are level with nine points each, trailing behind the leaders, England, after three matches in Pool D. This encounter is a direct showdown between these two squads, with the enticing prize of securing a spot in the competition's quarter-finals.

Despite their equal points, Japan currently lags behind Argentina due to points difference. However, with just one match remaining, the objective is straightforward for them: secure a victory at any cost.

Although Japan's earlier loss had raised uncertainties about their advancement to the knockout stages, they kept their aspirations alive by clinching a hard-fought 28-22 victory against Samoa last weekend. Pieter Labuschagne, Michael Leitch, and Kazuki Himeno all managed to score tries against the Pacific Islanders. Additionally, Rikiya Matsuda contributed 13 more points through three penalties and two conversions.

Jamie Joseph's team hasn't performed at the same level we witnessed four years ago when they played on their home turf. Many would agree that Los Pumas are the clear favorites in this match, especially since they've won five out of their last six encounters against The Brave Blossoms.

Argentina's World Cup campaign got off to a rough start with a loss to 14-man England in the first week. However, they've rebounded since then and enter this match with a lot of momentum. Los Pumas have convincingly won their last two matches in the competition, with an average margin of over 30 points. Their latest victory was a dominant 59-5 win against fellow South Americans, Chile, which secured their second-place position in the group standings.

Under Michael Cheika's leadership, Argentina outclassed Los Condores, scoring an impressive eight tries in the match. Nicolas Sanchez also made his mark by scoring in his 100th appearance for the national team.

The last time these two teams faced off in 2016, Argentina emerged victorious with a score of 54-20. While both sides have made significant progress since then, the current crop of Los Pumas is arguably one of the strongest they've produced in a long time. They have high expectations of securing a spot in the quarter-finals with a victory in this upcoming match.

Before the World Cup even began, an uncompromising draw in Pool B all but eliminated Tonga and Romania's prospects of moving on to the knockout rounds. Both teams now enter their last group game in Lille with a three-game losing streak.

As the competition has gone on, Tonga have gotten better, putting up competitive performances against pool giants like Scotland, South Africa, and Ireland. At the Stade Pierre-Mauroy, Tonga is heavily favored to win because, other from an early try against Ireland, Romania has been awful.

When Japan and Argentina face off on Sunday, their equation is straightforward: the winner will advance to the World Cup quarter-finals alongside England, who won Pool D. Although both teams lost to England, they each secured victories against Chile and Samoa, setting the stage for this decisive showdown at the Stade de la Beaujoire in Nantes.

The Pumas haven't displayed their best form in the tournament, but they had the advantage of resting several players in their 59-5 victory over Chile. They've now returned to a lineup similar to the one that defeated Samoa 19-10.

On the other hand, Japan has maintained consistency in their team selection, making only one change from their 28-22 win over Samoa. The question is whether Japan will be battle-tested or fatigued from their journey, while Argentina hopes to be well-rested rather than rusty. The historical record favors the Pumas, who have won five of the six previous meetings between these two teams, with the most recent victory occurring in 2016.

However, Japan has transformed into a different team since their remarkable run to the quarter-finals of the World Cup four years ago, despite their progress being hampered by a lack of games due to the pandemic. In contrast, the Pumas have defeated both New Zealand and Australia, demonstrating their ability to get the job done even amid their challenges in this World Cup. Additionally, Argentina has the extra motivation of missing out on the knockout stage four years ago. In what could turn into a grueling battle, Michael Cheika's team should have just enough to come out on top.

Jone Naikabula has been replaced on the left flank by Siosaia Fifita in Joseph's starting lineup from their victory over Samoa. Eight of the 15 players have started every game in the RWC 2023: Amato Fakatava, Keita Inagaki, Jiwon Gu, Jack Cornelsen, Michael Leitch, Rikiya Matsuda, Kotaro Matsushima, and Ryoto Nakamura.

Marcos Kremer, Juan Martin Gonzalez, and center Lucio Cinti are the only three Los Pumas players who have not changed from their lineup since the team's victory over Chile.

In the front row, Tomas Lavanini will take over for Julian Montoya, who will once again serve as captain. Thomas Gallo and Francisco Gomez Kodela will also be in the front row.