Rugby W/Cup: Argentina beats Japan in second round thriller
Mateo Carreras scored a hat-trick of tries as Argentina beat Japan 39-27 in a thrilling Rugby World Cup match in Nantes on Sunday to set up a quarter-final against Wales in Marseille next weekend.
In a roller-coaster of a game at the Stade de la Beaujoire in glorious, sunny conditions, both sides threw caution to the wind, with Argentina eventually outscoring the Brave Blossoms by five tries to three.
The Pumas made a sensational start, with Marcos Kremer pounding Japan captain Kazuki Himeno from the kick-off and then producing a driving maul before the ball was recycled right into the hands of Santiago Chocobares.
The Toulouse centre broke a tackle in midfield and sidestepped full-back Lomano Lemeki for a brilliant try with barely two minutes gone. Emiliano Boffelli hit the extras.
Japan responded immediately, with Kotaro Matsushima crossing for his fifth try of the tournament in the corner after a flowing move involving Seungsin Lee and Shota Horie.
Argentina regained the lead in the 17th minute when Carreras finished off a superb team try, with Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro, Pablo Matera and Chocobares all involved.
Boffelli added another penalty to put the Pumas 17-7 ahead, but Japan hit back again just before the break when Lemeki finished off a break from deep by Yusuke Kizu. Harumichi Tatekawa converted to make it 17-14 at half-time.
Japan drew level five minutes into the second half when Matsushima crossed for his second try of the match after a good break from Ryoto Nakamura.
Argentina restored their lead in the 55th minute when Carreras scored his second try of the match, intercepting a pass from Lemeki and racing clear.
Boffelli added another penalty to put the Pumas 27-21 ahead, but Japan refused to give up and scored their third try of the match in the 65th minute when Atsushi Sakate finished off a maul.
Tatekawa converted to level the scores at 27-27, but Argentina had the final say and Carreras completed his hat-trick in the 75th minute after a good break from Matera.
Boffelli added the conversion to seal a memorable victory for the Pumas.
