In a crucial match that Argentina needed to win, they emerged as the better team in their showdown against Samoa earlier today. Both Argentina and Samoa managed to score one try each, but it was the precision of the goal post kicks that proved decisive. The game saw numerous handling errors from both teams, especially in the first half when rain poured down in Saint-Étienne. However, Argentina emerged as the winners with a final score of 19-10.
Not even a minute into the game, Samoa's fullback Duncan Paia'aua received a yellow card for an aerial challenge against an Argentine player.
Taking full advantage of their one-player advantage, Argentina saw Emiliano Boffelli find the try zone just eight minutes into the game. Despite a slight stumble toward the try line, he managed to stretch his left arm out and regain control to secure the score. Boffelli then confidently converted the try himself, propelling his team to a 7-0 lead.
While Argentina had struggled to convert territory into points against England, they encountered no such difficulties in making Samoa pay for their mistakes.
Samoa's Leali'ifano, just four minutes later, marked his 36th birthday with a successful penalty kick to put Samoa on the scoreboard.
Boffelli added another penalty, and just before halftime, the Argentina pack impressively defended against the Samoan eight in two scrums near the five-meter line. As a result, Argentina entered halftime with a 13-3 lead.
Samoa had not created many scoring opportunities, but around the hour mark, they nearly produced a spectacular try. Alai D'Angelo Leuila executed a skillful grubber kick behind the defense, aiming for center Tumua Manu to chase. However, Boffelli reached the ball first, and with Samoa threatening to steal it just beneath the posts, the Pumas' forwards came to his aid in retaining possession.
For Samoa will need to win all of its next pool games to progress through to the quarter finals.
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