2023-10-27 07:21:22
Having fallen in the semi-finals, Argentina and England will try to close their Rugby World Cup on a good note, during the match for third place on Friday at the Stade de France. The opportunity also for the Pumas to take their revenge after their severe defeat in the group match against the same XV de la Rose.
Published on: 10/27/2023 – 07:21
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The time for reunion has arrived for England and Argentina, who will compete on Friday October 27 at the Stade de la France for third place in the World Cup. These two teams have already faced each other during the first weekend of competition in the group stage. It was September 9 in Marseille and the English, although reduced to 14 at the start of the match, had won (27-10) against the Pumas, thanks in particular to three drops from George Ford, at the end of a dull match.
A lot has changed since then, on one side or the other. England, with a game plan as basic as it was effective, only lost by one point against South Africa (16-15), defending champion, on the verge of the final. The Pumas also gained strength over the weeks before sinking in the last four against New Zealand (44-6).
“Both teams evolved during the competition,” commented England coach Steve Borthwick. “Argentina in particular developed a very long kicking game (…) I think it will be a very different match from the first.”
“I’m proud of the group’s progress, the way they’ve dealt with difficult situations,” added Steve Borthwick. “I’m looking forward to Friday. I will then do a thorough review of the competition to make sure I have a plan for the next cycle.”
The Pumas want a new medal
His team composition to challenge the Argentines, with eight changes compared to the XV which stood up to the Springboks, however suggests that the heart is not quite in it. He partly decided to prepare for the future by starting his youngsters (Marcus Smith, Freddy Steward, Henry Arundell, Theo Dan) while offering a last stand to scrum-half Ben Youngs, who had hardly played until -there in the tournament.
Your team to face Argentina in our last match of #RWC2023 ????
KO: 20:00 BST | Live on ITV ????
Hit the link to read more ⬇️ #ARGvENG
— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) October 25, 2023
After their semi-final lost in a big way against the All Blacks, the match for third place came back with much more insistence in the mouths of the Pumas, who have the opportunity to equal the best result in their history in the competition (2007). At the time, they crushed the Blues at the Parc des Princes (34-10).
“It’s very important to win this bronze medal. For us, for everything we have done and for the country,” confirmed Argentina coach Michael Cheika during the week, who did not only three changes.
Argentine center Jeronimo De la Fuente will start the match against England in place of Santiago Chocobares, while Pedro Rubiolo replaces Tomas Lavanini in the second row and Tomas Cubelli returns to number 9. “It’s important for all the players, for the experience of the group, for the legacy that the most experienced will leave,” insisted Michael Cheika. “The goal is always to finish as high as possible.”
With AFP
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