The quarter finals of the Rugby World Cup are here as the pressure begins to mount and the action steps up a gear.
Wales enter this knockout round with a flawless group stage performance. Four wins from four with only Fiji getting anywhere close to troubling the Dragons.
Most notably, Wales demolished Australia 40-6 in a match which saw Wales essentially end the Wallabies’ hopes at more international success.
Their performances in Pool C have put the disappointment of the Six Nations behind them and look to make a third World Cup semi-final in the last four editions.
Argentina punched their ticket to the knockout round in the final game of Pool D by defeating Japan 39-27 in a thrilling contest.
A defeat to England in their tournament opener is the only blemish on Argentina’s record. Michael Cheika said after the loss that his squad had many ‘first-timers’ and that they would use that disappointment to prepare better for the rest of the tournament.
With the Pumas learning from their mistakes, this opening quarter-final match looks to be a tightly contested bout.
Team News
Wales will be without number eight Taulupe Faletau after he was ruled out of the remainder of the World Cup after suffering a broken arm against Georgia.
Tomos Williams and Gareth Davies are next in line to replace Faletau at scrum-half leaving Warren Gatland with a difficult choice to make.
Liam Williams, Dan Biggar and Gareth Anscombe are also injury concerns for Gatland but each player is expected to play.
Argentina look to have lost star player Pablo Mantera due to a hamstring injury. Cheika claiming that the flankers tournament may be over.
Date / Kick-Off Time / Venue / Channel
Saturday October 14th 2023 / 4PM BST / Stade Velodrome, Marseille / ITV1
