Japan vs Argentina LIVE: Rugby World Cup result and reaction as Pumas book quarter-final place

Argentina booked their place in the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals with victory over Japan in Nantes.

Mateo Carreras was the star in a captivating, winner-takes-all Pool D encounter, with the dynamite wing scoring a hat-trick to take the Pumas to a thrilling 39-27 win.

Michael Cheika’s men advance to a meeting with Pool C winners Wales next Saturday in Marseille, with their attacking game appearing to be in fine fettle as Argentina eye a deep tournament run.

For Japan, though, the World Cup is over, with defeat at the Stade de la Beaujoire also bringing the curtain down on Jamie Joseph’s time in charge.

The head coach’s seven year stint overseeing the Brave Blossoms had lifted Japanese rugby to new heights, and while this campaign proved a tournament too far for a squad in need of a refresh, Joseph will depart very much in credit.

Japan finish third in Pool D and will therefore qualify automatically for the 2027 World Cup in Australia, with Wallabies coach Eddie Jones among those linked to the vacancy that Joseph leaves.

Relive all the action from the Pool D qualification decider, and get all the latest Rugby World Cup odds and tips right here:

Japan vs Argentina live

• FULL TIME! JAPAN 27-39 ARGENTINA

• TRY! Japan 27-36 ARGENTINA (Mateo Carreras try, 69 minutes)

• TRY! JAPAN 27-29 Argentina (Jone Naikabula try, 66 minutes

• TRY! Japan 20-29 ARGENTINA (Emiliano Boffelli try, 59 minutes)

• TRY! Japan 14-22 ARGENTINA (Mateo Carreras try, 47 minutes)

• HALF TIME: Japan 14-15 Argentina

• TRY! JAPAN 14-15 Argentina (Naoto Saito try, 38 minutes)

• TRY! Japan 7-12 ARGENTINA (Mateo Carreras try, 29 minutes)

• TRY! JAPAN 7-7 Argentina (Amato Fakatava try, 16 minutes)

• TRY! Japan 0-7 ARGENTINA (Santiago Chocobares try, 2 minutes)

• KICK OFF!

• Japan take on Argentina in a quarter-final shootout at the Stade de la Beaujoire in Nantes

• The winner will join England in the last eight of the Rugby World Cup

Argentina set up World Cup quarter-final meeting with Wales after beating Japan

14:31 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Argentina set up a World Cup quarter-final against Wales as Mateo Carreras’ hat-trick helped them see off Japan 39-27 in their winner-takes-all Pool D clash.

With both sides knowing victory would see them take second place in the pool at the other’s expense to join table-toppers England in the next round, Los Pumas sealed the spot after scoring five tries in Nantes, with Carreras the star man.

A fast start by Michael Cheika’s side saw Santiago Chocobares burst through a crowd of players to cross in the second minute, with Emiliano Boffelli successfully converting.

Jamie Joseph’s Japan hit back in the 16th minute when Amato Fakatava chipped over a defender, reclaimed the ball and touched down, and Rikiya Matsuda kicked the extras, before the Brave Blossoms were reduced to 14 men by a yellow card for Pieter Labuschagne.

Carerras then registered his first try to put Argentina back in front in the 28th minute and a subsequent penalty from Boffelli - who had missed one earlier, along with his second conversion attempt - made it 15-7.

Japan again rallied, with Naoto Saito crossing and Matsuda converting to leave a point in it heading into the interval.

Carreras registered his second try, converted by Boffelli, early in the second half, before a Matsuda penalty and Lomano Lemeki drop goal closed the gap to two points at 22-20.

Argentina then wrapped things up as Boffelli scored a try and converted, and Carreras subsequently completed his treble, with Nicolas Sanchez kicking that conversion and a further penalty with five minutes left.

They will now take on Wales in Marseille on Saturday.

PA

Pablo Matera’s tournament in doubt after suffering injury against Japan

14:20 , Harry Latham-Coyle

And, as feared, it sounds like it could be bad news for Pablo Matera - Michael Cheika has said that the flanker’s hamstring injury could well be a tournament-ender. Tough news for a key figure in the Pumas pack.

Argentina book place in World Cup quarter-finals with win over Japan

14:04 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The winner of Wales-Argentina, incidentally, will take on either Ireland or New Zealand in the semi-finals. You’d imagine Michael Cheika will fancy his side’s chances against a Welsh side dealing with some tough injury news - though we await further word on the severity of the issue that forced Pablo Matera’s first-half withdrawal today.

FT: Japan 27-39 Argentina

13:55 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Japan’s tournament, meanwhile, is at an end. It was a valiant effort from a side hoping they had one more last eight dance in them, but they never quite had enough to take control of a game in which they were pretty much always playing from behind. Jamie Joseph’s time in charge comes to an end in disappointing fashion, but that should not overshadow the progress his side have made over the last seven years.

FT: Japan 27-39 Argentina

13:52 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Hugs and backslaps between Argentine teammates - job done. Michael Cheika’s men will face Wales in Marseille next Saturday, and while they’ll have to tighten up defensively, their attacking game looks in fine fettle. Mateo Carreras was the hat-trick hero, with Emiliano Bofelli excellent on the other wing too and Marcos Kremer a constant, crunching menace at flanker.

FULL TIME! JAPAN 27-39 ARGENTINA

13:48 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Japan 27-39 Argentina, 79 minutes

13:47 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The Argentina fans in Nantes are positivel bouncing, a blue and white blur with their team a minute away from the last eight.

And how about that for a statement scrum - Japan march back at a rate of knots and the penalty is Argentina’s as time tick, tick, ticks away.

Japan 27-39 Argentina, 78 minutes

13:46 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A wretched lineout and Japan are accidentally offside! Argentina disrupted Sakate’s throw, and then an intelligently timed counter-ruck forces the ball free. Off a Japanese shin it tumbles forward into a teammate - Los Pumas are heading to the quarter finals.

Japan 27-39 Argentina, 77 minutes

13:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle

It’s now or never for Japan. Warner Dearns carries firmly and frees offloading limbs, combining with lock partner Jack Cornelsen. Japan move rightward, an Argentine front five forward twisted and turned as he crabs across, but just about performing his defensive duties.

Penalty to Japan for a tackle off the ball. Rikiya Matsuda takes a beat to make totally certain of his punt to the corner. He nails it. Atushi Sakate will throw five metres out.

Julian Montoya is replaced; Agustin Creevy, Argentina’s most capped player, is on at hooker.

PENALTY! Japan 27-39 ARGENTINA (Nicolas Sanchez penalty, 75 minutes)

13:42 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Bullseye. Argentina lead by 12 with five minutes to play.

Japan 27-36 Argentina, 74 minutes

13:41 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Is that it for Japan’s tournament? Asaeli Ai Valu clatters Santiago Chocobares off the ball, and this is kickable for Nicolas Sanchez. Three points here would surely seal it...

Japan 27-36 Argentina, 71 minutes

13:39 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Thumping defence! That’s what Argentina needed, a powerful defensive set to puncture Japan’s spirit. Replacement half backs Lautaro Bazan Velez and Nicolas Sanchez combine to set the tone in the first phase, and their teammates follow thereafter, Joel Sclavi among those making defensive dents to force a knock on.

Japan 27-36 Argentina, 70 minutes

13:37 , Harry Latham-Coyle

But Argentina just keep on giving Japan chances to get back in the game. Another restart, another error - Japan will feed a scrum in Argentina’s 22.

Matias Moroni replaces Lucio Cinti in the centres.

TRY! Japan 27-36 ARGENTINA (Mateo Carreras try, 69 minutes)

13:34 , Harry Latham-Coyle

An Argentine hat-trick hero!

Mateo Carreras, you are dynamite! Argentina’s wings are proving the difference today, initial inroads made up the right via Emiliano Boffelli’s smooth strides before it’s over to the diminutive Carreras with advantage coming. There are four or five red and white shirts in the vicinity as Carreras collects, but he’s just so quick off the mark, leaving Ryoto Nakamura on the back foot as he chops his feet into the floor. A shimmy and a shake and the wideman almost seems to apparate into space, scurrying under the posts to give Nicolas Sanchez a simple conversion.

Japan 27-29 Argentina, 68 minutes

13:33 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Can Argentina reset? Their most experienced players lead an extended discussion as they make their way back up to halfway for the restart.

TRY! JAPAN 27-29 Argentina (Jone Naikabula try, 66 minutes)

13:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle

This time Jone Naikabula is utilised and this time he has his score!

What a game this is turning into. Every time Argentina seem to be pulling away, Japan hit back. They don’t waste energy with a set piece, electing to tap the penalty quickly and settle into their attacking shape. A forward carrier sets the platform and then it is twice out the back, sharp handling leaving enough room for replacement wing Naikabula to take Lomano Lemeki’s pass and power through Juan Cruz Mallia to the line.

Now, can Rikiya Matsuda convert? Of course he can - it’s a two-point game!

Japan 20-29 Argentina, 65 minutes

13:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Japan throw to the front, a grounded Michael Leitch clutching it as his forward colleagues pour into the maul. Argentina repel the drive, but Siosaia Fifita and Warner Dearns regather momentum with a pair of forthright carries.

Away to the right, where there is an overlap...but the pass never comes! Surely it had to go with Jone Naikabula all alone with open acreage in front of him? Japan do have a penalty to return to...

Japan 20-29 Argentina, 63 minutes

13:28 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Argentina just can’t quite put Japan away. Another handling error leads to a scrum, and Japan win a scrum penalty as Argentina are deemed to have failed to have taken the hit. Japan find the corner

Japan 20-29 Argentina, 61 minutes

13:27 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Stern defence from Emiliano Boffelli. Japan throw the ball out to the left and grant Siosaia Fifita a one-on-one opportunity, backing their powerful wing to go over the top of the slighter Argentine opposite him. But Boffelli is strong enough, swatting away an attempted hand-off and driving Fifita towards touch. The pair exchange a word or two, swapping grins - it’s been a good battle on that touchline today.

Japan 20-29 Argentina, 60 minutes

13:25 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Veteran ten Nicolas Sanchez replaces Santiago Carreras as Argentina try to see this out. Lautaro Bazan Velez is on for Bertranou at scrum half, too, while Kotaro Matsushima has departed for Japan - Jone Naikabula is his replacement.

Mateo Carreras punts the ball away in frustration after knocking on inside his own 22.

TRY! Japan 20-29 ARGENTINA (Emiliano Boffelli try, 59 minutes)

13:22 , Harry Latham-Coyle

And Argentina make them pay!

That’s a score of lovely construct, excellent in conception and execution. The Argentina pack earns advantage at scrum time and Gonzalo Bertranou finds Santiago Chocobares on an inviting blindside.

The centre attacks the inside shoulder, driving back towards the scrum and flipping the ball back to a looping Bertranou, who has Juan Cruz Mallia in the sidecar. The full-back has the speed to get away from Dylan Riley, diving in despair, and a simple draw-and-pass gives Emiliano Boffelli a run to the corner. The wing converts his own try.

Japan 20-22 Argentina, 58 minutes

13:21 , Harry Latham-Coyle

That’s not how Japan would have wanted to deal with the restart, though, knocking on just outside their own 22. Is it starting to get a little bit nervy?

DROP GOAL! JAPAN 20-22 Argentina (Lomano Lemeki drop goal, 56 minutes)

13:19 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A brilliant drop goal!

Deja vu for Argentina! Japan have an advantage coming and there is little else presenting itself to Lomano Lemeki as the full-back steps in to first receiver, prompting an optimistic effort from 45 metres or so. But Lemeki strikes it crisply - it floats through the Nantes air and comes down about four metres the right side of the crossbar.

Japan 17-2 2Argentina, 54 minutes

13:18 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Argentina overplay a little as they try and launch an offensive from just inside Japan’s half, with a couple of hurried offloads resulting in Santiago Carreras knocking on as he takes contact. That’s a tenth handling error of the afternoon for the Pumas, compared to only three from Japan - Argentina have had more of the ball but have struggled for accuracy at times.

Japan 17-22 Argentina, 53 minutes

13:17 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A couple of Japan changes: the imposing Warner Dearns replaces Amato Fakatava, who looks exhausted, while Atsushi Sakate will offer a bit more dynamism at hooker than the veteran Shota Horie.

PENALTY! JAPAN 17-22 Argentina (Rikiya Matsuda penalty, 52 minutes)

13:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Rikiya Matsuda pops over the three points.

Japan 14-22 Argentina, 51 minutes

13:14 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Argentina are penalised for failing to release. Japan’s leadership group consider their options...and eventually point at goal.

Japan 14-22 Argentina, 49 minutes

13:14 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Japan kick into Argentina’s 22, and that’s loose from the Pumas, the ball clearly carreid back into the 22 but the punt directed for touch regardless. A fine chance for Japan, this, from a lineout 15 metres out.

Japan 14-22 Argentina, 48 minutes

13:13 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Japan search for a swift answer, Dylan Riley stepping out a tackle on the left but caught by the bootlaces as he attempts to settle into a sprint.

Pedro Rubiolo is on for Tomas Lavanini, which means the irrepressible Marcos Kremer will go the distance - the mean-mugging flanker pulverizes a Japanese carrier who strays into his channel.

TRY! Japan 14-22 ARGENTINA (Mateo Carreras try, 47 minutes)

13:09 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A second try for Mateo Carreras!

All it required was pateince for Argentina, dragging Japan out of shape. With a penalty coming, they can afford to try an ambitious offload or two, with a second pass out of contract creating acres of space on the left. Lucio Cinti’s pass isn’t ideal, but Mateo Carreras clutches it cleanly at shin-height, and scurries the seven metres or so in front of him in short order.

Emiliano Boffelli knocks over the extra two.

Japan 14-15 Argentina, 46 minutes

13:09 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Into the 22 now, with Gonzalo Bertranou keeping things ticking. Messrs Carreras each attack the line, before new man Eduardo Bello uses his burl to crash for a couple more metres. Advantage coming...and Argentina won’t need it!

Japan 14-15 Argentina, 45 minutes

13:08 , Harry Latham-Coyle

What a maul from Argentina! Their eight forwards make all of 25 metres on the march up the left, and a Mateo Carreras half-break off the back of it takes the Pumas to the fringes of Japan’s 22.

Japan 14-15 Argentina, 44 minutes

13:07 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Gomez Kodela is replaced, with Eduardo Bello on. Japan switch their tighthead, too - Jiwon Gu departs with Asaeli Ai Valu replacing him.

Santiago Carreras also goes down for some treatment, but the Argentina fly half is back on his feet soon enough and finds touch with the penalty.

Japan 14-15 Argentina, 43 minutes

13:06 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Here come Japan! Francisco Gomez Kodela is left down receiving treatment as his teammates battle to cling on, Amato Fakatava stomping over a couple on a commanding carry.

Japan spin it to the left, where there are numbers over, but Emiliano Boffelli makes an intelligent decision to rush out of the line and get his hands on a pass.

He doesn’t quite manage to inercept but Japan are stalled, and Julian Montoya’s expert breakdown jackal wins a penalty.

Japan 14-15 Argentina, 41 minutes

13:04 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The first aerial contest ends with the ball bouncing into Juan Martin Gonzalez’s bread basket, and the number eight accelerates away up the right touchline. Some excellent cover defence from Japan prevents him capitalising further, speedy Gonzalez reeled in and stripped of the ball as his teammates arrive in support.

Second half...

13:02 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The players are back out there. 40 minutes to decide Japan and Argentina’s fate.

HT: Japan 14-15 Argentina

13:01 , Harry Latham-Coyle

This was pretty nifty from Naoto Saito, too.

HT: Japan 14-15 Argentina

12:57 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Want one more look at that piece of supreme skill from Amato Fakatava? Course you do.

HT: Japan 14-15 Argentina

12:53 , Harry Latham-Coyle

It’s beautifully poised at the interval in Nantes, with both sides casting caution to the wind even in a winner-takes-all quarter-final decider. Both Argentina and Japan have shown off their varied attacking games, with four beautifully taken tries.

Just a point in it as the players chew on their half time oranges.

HALF TIME! Japan 14-15 Argentina

12:49 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Japan 14-15 Argentina, 41 minutes

12:48 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Argentina make a has of their lineout and grant Japan possession, but an under-clubbed prod down the right settles in Argentina hands. Gonzalo Bertranou is content to end the half there, popping the ball into the second row beyond the left touchline and turning to trek down the tunnel.

TRY! JAPAN 14-15 Argentina (Naoto Saito try, 38 minutes)

12:44 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Another beauty of a try from Japan!

Again the left edge proves profitable for the Brave Blossoms. Naoto Saito whisks the ball away from the base, with Rikiya Matsuda attacking the blindside. Dylan Riley times his pass perfectly to put wing Siosaia Fifita into space, with the physically-imposing wing charging down into Argentina’s 22.

Juan Cruz Mallia buys the dummy, stepping out and allowing Fifita to rumble on, with Saito running a perfect support line on the inside to take advantage. Matsuda’s conversion brings Japan back within a single point.

Japan 7-15 Argentina, 36 minutes

12:43 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Japan are restored to full complement, Lappies Labuschagne’s time in the bin having cost them eight points.

Lomano Lemeki has been real threat from the back for Japan in this tournament, returning to top form at the right time. Argentina ensure he is appropriately handled, backs shepherding Lemeki across field towards their forwards, who thump him to the floor.

PENALTY! Japan 7-15 ARGENTINA (Emiliano Boffelli penalty, 35 minutes)

12:41 , Harry Latham-Coyle

And Emiliano Boffelli extends Argentina’s advantage from the tee.

Argentina 7-12 Argentina, 33 minutes

12:40 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Santiago Carreras seeks a 50/22, but gets an unkind hop to check the ball’s momentum and take it out just short of the required line.

It matters not - Argentina pinch the lineout and earn a penalty for offside.

Japan 7-12 Argentina, 31 minutes

12:38 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Kremer has been prominent in the last five minutes, his role taking on greater importance with Pablo Matera off injured. Naoto Saito, it would be fair to say, is enjoying a mixed afternoon, moments of ingenuity interspersed between a few too many mishandles, the latest almost allowing Kremer to intercept a bouncing ball and go the distance. The Argentina flanker can’t quite gather.

TRY! Japan 7-12 ARGENTINA (Mateo Carreras try, 29 minutes)

12:35 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Mateo Carreras scorches a trail into the left corner!

Japan had been dragged right out of shape after Marcos Kremer had blocked that ill-conceived drop goal attempt with his beard, with a foolish chop and chase from Kotaro Matsushima not overly helping matters. Juan Cruz Mallia collects and frees his arms, with a quick transfer to Gonzalo Bertranou allowing the scrum half to hurry away.

Bertranou is swift, and wing Carreras swifter still. The Newcastle flyer swoops into the left corner.

Japan 7-7 Argentina, 27 minutes

12:34 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A drop goal attempt from Rikiya Matsuda, peraps taking a page out of George Ford’s book - but it’s a horrible attempt, charged down easily by an Argentine blocker.

And off the Pumas go!

Japan 7-7 Argentina, 26 minutes

12:33 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Japan’s 14 men are doing ok without Labuschagne so far, forcing Argentina into a kick, which is sliced 50 metres up and only five forwards, leaving a group of forwards offside. Japan lack a long-range kicker so instead punt for touch just inside Argentina’s 22.

Japan 7-7 Argentina, 25 minutes

12:31 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Lappies Labuschagne’s yellow card remains - initial contact is with the chest, TMO Brendon Pickerill explains after the incident was reviewed in the bunker, while a late change in direction serves as mititgation. The Japan flanker will return in seven minutes or so.

Missed penalty! Japan 7-7 Argentina, 24 minutes

12:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Starts right, stays right - Emiliano Boffelli will be disappointed by that given his high standards.

And that’s of even greater concern for Argentina - Pablo Matera is having to be helped off by a couple of medics. Matias Alemanno replaces the back rower, with Guido Petti presumably sliding out on to the flank.

Japan 7-7 Argentina, 23 minutes

12:28 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A pause while a couple of players are treated gives us a good opportunity to watch this again. Magnifique.

Argentian opt to kick the penalty at goal. Emiliano Boffelli plants the ball on his tee...

YELLOW CARD! Pieter ‘Lappies’ Labuschagne is sent to the sin bin with the incident on review. Japan 7-7 Argentina, 20 minutes

12:27 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Yep, direct head-to-head contact - that clearly meets the yellow card threshold, and only a late change in dynamics from a carrying Thomas Gallo possibly saving Japan from an upgrade to red.

Labuschagne waves an apologetic hand and takes his seat in the sin bin, awaiting his fate.

Japan 7-7 Argentina, 23 minutes

12:25 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Just a sense of untidiness creeping into Argentina’s game. Bertranou is unable to corral the ball at the base of a ruck and Lucio Cinti then drops a high bomb under limited pressure.

Hang on, though - TMO Brendon Pickerill wants to check a potential head-on-head collision between Pieter Labuschagne and an Argentina carrier.

Japan 7-7 Argentina, 21 minutes

12:23 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Argentina firm up defensively, guarding the blindside initially with Gonzalo Bertranou making a good hit on the far larger Siosaia Fifita, before Pablo Matera and Julian Montoya make nuisances of themselves at the breakdown. Matera’s jackal is rewarded with a penalty.

Japan 7-7 Argentina, 20 minutes

12:22 , Harry Latham-Coyle

World Rugby’s official fantasy game erroneously had Fakatava listed as a centre, for what it is worth - perhaps they knew something we didn’t!

It’s been a cracker of a first quarter, with both sides not letting the pressure of the occasion inhibit their attacking adventure. Argentina punt up the middle with Japan short of backfield cover, but there’s too much mustard on the kick - it trickles out the back of the small in-goal area in Nantes and all the way back to Argentina’s 22-metre line we will come for a Japan scrum.

TRY! JAPAN 7-7 Argentina (Amato Fakatava try, 16 minutes)

12:17 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Stop that Amato Fakatava! That’s one of the great World Cup tries!

This is a thing of magnificence from the second row. Japan spread the ball to the left after Juan Cruz Mallia’s misdirected grubber, with Michael Leitch contorting his body to get it away to his big second row on the wide outside. Fakatava, such an impressive athlete in the open field, puts his foot down and strides away from Julian Montoya, left clutching at thin air as he dives in an attempt to make a tackle.

For most locks, the presence of a defender in front of them would prompt a head-down plough, but Fakatava has other ideas, dropping boot to ball and lifting a deft little dab over the top. The bounce is kind, sitting up perfectly for the forward to take on the charge, crashing and bashing through the cover defenders to plant down his third try of the tournament. Incroyable!

Japan 0-7 Argentina, 15 minutes

12:16 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Solid on their own ball again from Argentina, and a half charge-down of their attempted clearance bounces kindly for Juan Cruz Mallia. The full back can’t make much of it with his kick, though.

Japan 0-7 Argentina, 14 minutes

12:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Japan are showing off their attacking armoury here, testing Argentina out wide. Some nifty tricks and flicks are reasonably well marshalled, and a stomping Siosaia Fifita runs too close to Dylan Riley to give his centre a hope of taking a hurried offload. Forward off a hand it tumbles; Argentina’s scrum 30 metres out from their own line.

Japan 0-7 Argentina, 12 minutes

12:13 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Delightful! It’s the no-look over-the-head kick again from Japan, Naoto Saito this time the exponent and executing it perfectly, allowing a chaser to settle beneath it inside the Argentina 22. Japan spread it to the right, Michael Leitch somehow clinging on to a pass by his shoelaces.

Momentum builds as the close-in carriers punch around the corner...but Saito knocks on! Such a shame for the scrum half with options presenting themselves to his left - but what a wonderful bit of skill to set up the position.

Japan 0-7 Argentina, 10 minutes

12:11 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The defence thereafter is better from Japan, though, getting hands on breakdown ball for the first time. Shota Horie goes to contest but is unable to quite grasp it, though the Argentine latcher is pinged for failing to keep his feet. Penalty Japan, and a gain of 40 metres down the right via the boot.

Japan 0-7 Argentina, 9 minutes

12:10 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Boffelli again! He’s some player, the Edinburgh back three man, as impressive in the air as on the ground and leaping superbly to regain possession as an up-and-under is directed out to his right wing. A Santiago Carreras gruber is slightly aimless but Japan knock it on and Argentina can play on inside the opposition half.

Japan 0-7 Argentina, 8 minutes

12:08 , Harry Latham-Coyle

But Argentina look right up for this. The Pumas disrupt Japan’s lineout and Naoto Saito is forced to kick away slow ball, his box kick landing in Emiliano Boffelli’s hands. The wing skips past one defender and then bashes past hooker Shota Horie, countering up into Japan’s half. A tangle of boots and hands on the floor ends Argentina’s advances but Japan are struggle to handle their strike-runners in theis first ten minutes.

Japan 0-7 Argentina, 6 minutes

12:06 , Harry Latham-Coyle

That should steady Japan a bit. Argentina’s scrum was vulnerable agaisnt England and is under immediate pressure here, Keita Inagaki putting the pressure on a returning Francisco Gomez Kodela, and Thomas Gallo turning on on the loosehead side. Japan kick the penalty up towards halfway.

Japan 0-7 Argentina, 4 minutes

12:05 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Wow. The game has barely even begun and already Jamie Joseph wears a face of thunder. I mentioned the attacking theat of this Argentina centre pairing ahead of kick off but there wasn’t much deception required there, Chocobares just slicing Japan open up the middle.

TRY! Japan 0-7 ARGENTINA (Santiago Chocobares try, 2 minutes)

12:01 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A sensational solo score!

Oh, Santiago Chocobares that is simply magnificent. The inside centre trucks it up the middle, dummying and brushing off a tackler a little too easily before setting his sights on the backfield defenders.

A jink and a jive takes him round the last tackler, and Chocobares darts under the posts to give Argentina the perfect start.

Japan 0-0 Argentina, 1 minute

12:01 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A solid first clearance from Rikiya Matsuda, his kick sailing out of play 40 metres from the Japan line.

Argentina’s first attacking ball is used well, a poweful maul making metres and drawing a penalty.

KICK OFF!

12:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle

And we’re off and away in Nantes.

Japan vs Argentina

11:59 , Harry Latham-Coyle

This is it, then, for Japan and Argentina - one quarter-final spot up for grabs. 80 minutes more to determine their last eight fate - Argentina will kick things off.

Japan vs Argentina: Match officials

11:55 , Harry Latham-Coyle

An all Kiwi officiating team today.

Referee: Ben O’Keeffe (NZ)

ARs: Paul Williams (NZ) & James Doleman (NZ)

TMO: Brendon Pickerill (NZ)

Japan vs Argentina

11:54 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Out into the sunshine the players come, Japan in their familiar red and white hooped home kit, Argentina in their rather fetching change strip, navy blue with a white sash.

Japan vs Argentina

11:50 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Kick off creeping ever closer at the Stade de la Beaujoire. It’s going to be a properly hot afternoon in Nantes, with the mercury up into the mid-twenties and still very much climbing. Fatigue could well be a factor.

Japan vs Argentina

11:44 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Of course, this could yet be Joseph’s last game in charge of Japan, with the head coach due to leave at the end of this tournament. The Kiwi coach will be hoping his squad can extend his tenure by another week at least.

Japan vs Argentina

11:36 , Harry Latham-Coyle

I reckon Argentina have picked their best attacking backline, perhaps sacrificing a bit of defensive solidity by pairing young guns Santiago Chocobares and Lucio Cinti but ensuring that they have plenty of strike runners to challenge a Japan defence that fronted up well for long periods against England. Argentina have dominated the ball so far at this tournament - Jamie Joseph’s side, drilled defensively by incoming Red Roses coach John Mitchell, may have plenty of tackling to do.

Quarter-final line-up

11:27 , Harry Latham-Coyle

So here’s a reminder of how the last eight looks. Remember, Fiji require only a single match point from their game against Portugal tonight to seal their place in the quarter-finals - and doesn’t the Paris half of the draw look rather tasty...

Wales v Argentina/Japan, Marseille Sat 14 October, 4pm BST

Ireland v New Zealand, Paris Sat 14 October, 8pm BST

England v Fiji/Australia, Marseille Sun 15th October, 4pm BST

France v South Africa, Paris Sun 15th October, 8pm BST

Michael Leitch on why Samurai time” will be key for Japan

11:22 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Japan, meanwhile, are focussed on the final quarter, with Jamie Joseph’s side believing they have solved the issues apparent late on against England and targeting what they are calling “Samurai time”.

“In the past, we had the tendency to be scored against in the last 20 minutes,” Michael Leitch explained yesterday. “Since the England game, we talked about how to fix it, and we started using the word ‘Samurai Time’. It’s about controlling the game’s momentum.

“We obviously wanted to attack, but then we lost our energy, and when the impact members (substitutes) came in excited to get out there, they couldn’t leave a big impact on the game as much as they wanted to. So, we talked about it with the coaches, about our mentality and what’s needed in the last 20 minutes.”

Argentina coach Michael Cheika believes his side are ready to handle the pressure

11:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle

“This is why you play rugby; if you want it easy and for the script to be written, don’t worry about coming,” Cheika said on Friday after naming his team for a crunch contest.

“In international rugby, you don’t always have games where everything is at stake. We have been doing it since the game against England.

“There was talk about players who will have their first experience in matches of such importance. This is where you learn, you gain experience. They already got experience with the first important match with England where they did not deliver; I feel very good handling that knock-out mentality that we have had since then.

“Coaches have to change the negative and turn it into a positive. I feel like we are very happy with that. You have to have a certain level of pressure. They are feeling that pressure for the first time and they are growing. It will be the third elimination match and we hope to have three more from now on.”

Team news - Argentina

11:13 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Michael Cheika makes eleven changes to the Argentina side from their 59-5 win against Chile. Santiago Carreras replaces Nicolas Sanchez at fly-half, while prop Francisco Gómez Kodela returns to the starting team for the first time since their opening loss to England. Marcos Kremer and Juan Martin Gonzalez remain in the starting team and are the only two players in the squad to have started every RWC2023 match.

Guido Petti and Tomas Lavanini start alongside each other for the first time since September 2022, which marks their 32nd time doing so.

Argentina XV: Juan Cruz Mallia; Emiliano Boffelli, Lucio Cinti, Santiago Chocobares, Mateo Carreras; Santiago Carreras, Gonzalo Bertranou; Thomas Gallo, Julian Montoya (capt.), Francisco Gómez Kodela; Guido Petti, Tomas Lavanini; Pablo Matera, Marcos Kremer, Juan Martin Gonzalez.

Replacements: Agustín Creevy, Joel Sclavi, Eduardo Bello, Matias Alemanno, Pedro Rubiolo, Lautaro Bazan Velez, Nicolas Sanchez, Matías Moroni.

Team news - Japan

11:11 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Jamie Joseph makes one change to the Japan side that won against Samoa last weekend as Siosaia Fifita replaces Jone Naikabula on the left wing.

Eight players have started all of their RWC matches so far (Amato Fakatava, Keita Inagaki, Jiwon Gu, Jack Cornelsen, Michael Leitch, Rikiya Matsuda, Kotato Matsushima, and Ryoto Nakamura). Last week’s player of the match Lomano Lemeki returns at fullback. Kazuki Himeno is named as captain and hasn’t missed a tackle so far this RWC after 31 successful tackle attempts.

Japan XV: Lomano Lemeki; Kotaro Matsushima, Dylan Riley, Ryoto Nakamura, Siosaia Fifita; Rikiya Matsuda, Naoto Saito; Keita Inagaki, Shota Horie, Jiwon Gu; Jack Cornelsen, Amato Fakatava; Michael Leitch, Pieter Labuschagne, Kazuki Himeno (capt.)

Replacements: Atsushi Sakate, Craig Millar, Asaeli Ai Valu, Warner Dearns, Amanaki Saumaki, Yutaka Nagare, Ryohei Yamanaka, Jone Naikabula.

Japan vs Argentina

11:07 , Harry Latham-Coyle

So we know it will be Wales for either Japan or Argentina next Saturday in Marseille, with Warren Gatland’s side looking slightly more vulnerable after Taulupe Faletau’s injury. Neither of these two Pool D foes have quite found their best rugby in this tournament, but the opportunity is clear - let’s take a closer look at the two selections...

Ireland march into last eight as Scottish hopes swept away

11:05 , Harry Latham-Coyle

I, meanwhile, was at the Stade de France to watch Ireland produce a performance to strike fear into the other nations at this tournament as Scotland’s dreams to be most decisively dashed.

Ireland march past Scotland and give the World Cup a performance to fear

England squeak past Samoa

11:01 , Harry Latham-Coyle

England also go into the last eight unbeaten, but not before being given a mighty fright by an impressive Samoa. Luke Baker was in Lille:

England’s lucky escape can’t hide identity crisis threatening to derail World Cup

About yesterday...

10:57 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Just before we focus in fully on Japan-Argentina, let’s check in on all of yesterday’s action - and it was a potentially damaging day for Wales despite sealing top spot in Pool C...

Taulupe Faletau ruled out of tournament in blow to Wales’ World Cup hopes

Japan vs Argentina

10:55 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Is Japan vs Argentina on TV? Channel, start time and how to watch Rugby World Cup

Japan vs Argentina

10:51 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Bonjour tout le monde, et bienvenue! We’ve made it to the final day of pool action at this Rugby World Cup, just three more group fixtures left to determine the final sides progressing to next weekend’s quarter-finals. Six of our last eight are now locked in but there are still two more knockout spots up for grabs - we begin today in Nantes, where it’s winner-takes-all for Japan and Argentina with second place in Pool D on the line...