The Manu Samoa have been defeated by Argentina by 19-10 in their second pool match of their Rugby World Cup campaign.
The win is Argentina’s first win of their RWC campaign after going down 27-10 to England two weeks ago.
The match started with plenty of drama as Duncan Paia’aua was yellow carded in the first minute for a tackle on Argentinian full back Santiago Carreras.
Argentina opened the scoring with their winger Emiliano Boffelli going over for the try.
Samoa had opportunities in the first half but couldn’t capitalise and Christian Lealiifano’s radar wasn’t quite on target missing early points for the Manu.
Meanwhile the Los Pumas kicker, Emiliano Boffelli’s early penalties in the 25th and the 34th minute extended Argentina’s lead to 13-3 at halftime.
Samoa looked to get back in the game in the second half but another penalty kick from Argentina took it to 16-3.
Emiliano Boffelli scored Argentina’s only try and kicked 11 points to earn 16 of his side’s 19 points.
A late surge by the Manu had the Samoan supporters in the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard stands on their feet as replacement hooker Sam Malolo powered his way over the line for a try with five minutes to go.
The conversion by Alai D’Angelo Leuila gave Samoans at home and across the globe hope for a fighting chance with the scoreboard showing 16-10.
The Manu still had a chance in the dying minutes before an error led to the ref calling a player out for coming from the side.
Argentina would ice the game with a penalty kick from veteran flyhalf Nicolas Sanchez making it 19-10 at full time and denying Samoa a crucial bonus point for being within seven points.
Match statistics showed Pumas’ domination with 126 ball carries to Samoa’s 57, making three times the metres while conceding less penalties and missed tackles.
Samoa conceded 36 missed tackles to Argentina’s nine.
England lead Pool D with nine points from two games, four points ahead of Samoa and third-placed Japan wwith Argentina in fourth place on four points.
Samoa will have to secure wins over Japan and England to keep their World Cup campaign alive.
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