Heartbroken Wales sent home from World Cup as Los Pumas roar into semis
Wales crashed out of the Rugby World Cup after Emiliano Boffelli inspired an Argentina fightback that saw them win a thrilling spectacle 29-17 at Stade Velodrome.
Warren Gatland’s team had high hopes of reaching a third World Cup semi-final in the last four tournaments, but Argentina ripped up the form book after struggling to qualify from their pool.
Wales led 10-0 through a Dan Biggar try, conversion and penalty, only for Boffelli to wipe out that deficit with four penalties during a damaging spell either side of half-time.
Scrum-half Tomos Williams’ try, again converted by Biggar, put Wales back in front, but Pumas prop Joel Sclavi touched down and replacement fly-half Nicolas Sanchez claimed an interception try during the closing seconds. Boffelli converted both and then Sanchez booted a last-minute penalty.
It all rubbed salt into a gaping Welsh wound, although the Pumas were fortunate to see lock Guido Petti avoid sanction for a shoulder-led hit on Wales centre Nick Tompkins 16 minutes from time.
Referee Karl Dickson, who had taken over from an injured Jaco Peyper early on, awarded no card following television match official consultation, and Wales’ players looked perplexed.
Wales’ defeat meant the end of Biggar’s international career, having announced in August that he would retire from the Test arena post-World Cup.
Why can’t the title of this article give credit to the team that has won? Why is it written from the perspective from the team that has lost? Geez, these NH soppies need to take a hit and give credit where it is due.
2 down. 2 to go.
Unlucky Wales.
Gatland was never a good coach. Warrenball is dull and predictable
Hard luck Wales.
Good time to change coaches. Gatland is past his sell-by-date.
Now. For the Irish to go home…
One for the southern hemisphere well done Argentina great second half
Ireland 23 New Zealand 16
Rugby Karma to Wales…that shoulder hit should have been a red
Both teams were below Par but happy a NORTHERN Hemisphere team is knocked OUT. Now let me wait for the ABs to demonstrate how to annihilate another NH team. Can't wait