Argentina beat Wales to reach World Cup semi-final

6 months ago 93
Nicolas Sanchez of Argentina breaks away to score his side's second tryArgentina will face Ireland or New Zealand in the semi-finals
Wales (10) 17
Tries: Biggar, T Williams Cons: Biggar 2 Pens: Biggar
Argentina (6) 29
Try: Scalvi, Sanchez Cons: Boffelli 2 Pens: Boffelli, Sanchez

Argentina ended Wales' World Cup journey in controversial fashion during an enthralling quarter-final in Marseille.

Wales started brightly with a 10-point lead before Argentina responded with four Emiliano Boffelli penalties.

Tomos Williams restored Wales' lead with a brilliant effort before two late tries from Joel Sclavi and Nicolas Sanchez sealed the win.

The Pumas face Ireland or New Zealand in the semi-final in Paris next Friday.

The match swung on a controversial decision by English referee Karl Dickson who had replaced Jaco Peyper early on in the game after the South African official suffered a calf injury.

Wales were leading 17-12 when Argentina lock Guido Petti's shoulder caught the head of Wales centre Nick Tompkins at a ruck.

Dickson decided Petti's action was legal and gave no sanction and Pumas prop Scalvi went on to score to give Argentina a 19-17 lead.

With Wales chasing the game, Sanchez intercepted a Sam Costelow pass to sprint away to score and added a late penalty to rub salt in the wounds and send Warren Gatland's side home.

More to follow.

Line-ups

Wales: L Williams; Rees-Zammit, North, Tompkins, Adams; Biggar, G Davies; G Thomas, Elias, Francis, Rowlands, Beard, Morgan (capt), Reffell, Wainwright.

Replacements: Lake, Domachowski, D Lewis, D Jenkins, Tshiunza, T Williams, Costelow, Dyer.

Argentina: Mallia; Boffelli, Cinti, Chocobares, M Carreras; S Carreras, Cubelli; Gallo, Montoya (capt), Gomez Kodela, Petti, Lavanini, Gonzalez, Kremer, Isa.

Replacements: Creevy, Sclavi, Bello, Alemanno, Bruni, Bazan Velez, Sanchez, Moroni.

Match officials

Referee: Jaco Peyper (South Africa)

Touch judges: Karl Dickson (Eng) & Andrea Piardi (Ita)

TMO: Marius Jonker (South Africa).

Read Entire Article