Argentina secured a thrilling spot in the semi-finals of the Rugby World Cup 2023 with a spectacular comeback against Wales, ultimately winning 29-17 at Stade de Marseille on Saturday.
The first half saw Wales take a 10-6 lead with a Dan Biggar try and additional points from his expertly guided kicks. However, the resilient Argentinian side, led by Emiliano Boffelli’s accurate penalty in the 48th minute, managed to nudge ahead.
Wales briefly regained the lead as Tomos Williams darted over, only to be swiftly answered by Argentina’s Joel Sclavi, who secured a two-point lead following a well-executed conversion.
The defining moment arrived with Nicolas Sanchez’s intercept try, which was celebrated with elation by his teammates in the in-goal area. Sanchez’s subsequent penalty sealed the victory and propelled his team into the much-coveted last four of the competition.
Reflecting on the intense match, Boffelli, honored as the Mastercard Player of the Match, shared, “It was a difficult match. I am very happy for the team. [Head coach Michael Cheika told us at half-time] That we need to keep going and keep going and that at some time the game would open for us.”
Captain Julián Montoya expressed his pride in the team’s performance, saying, “We like to be a team that fights for everything. [It was] far from perfect but we are going to Paris. Life is not perfect. It’s how you embrace the moment. That’s what rugby is about. Two more weeks with this team. I don’t want this to end ever. We need to be better, to be clinical in a lot of things.”
In contrast, Wales captain Jac Morgan admitted the defeat was “devastating” for his team, acknowledging their lapses in discipline and crucial errors that allowed Argentina to capitalize on the momentum.
Head coach Warren Gatland gracefully conceded, “I am not going to take anything away from Argentina. They were tough and stayed in the fight, and you have got to give them credit and congratulate them. They hung in there. We probably weren’t at our best, but we were up against a good side who took their chances.”
Looking ahead, a jubilant Cheika remained cautious yet optimistic, stating, “I don’t know if we’ll go with the sweeping statements just yet. We will wait and see. We are just thrilled to be going to Paris, we haven’t had a taste of it yet at this World Cup. We will look at tonight’s game, and I know we won’t be favorites [in their semi-final], but we’ll be giving it our best.”
