2023-10-09 05:16:42
It’s a real round of 16. Almost perfectly tied, with nine points each but a point difference in favor of the Pumas, Argentina and Japan face each other this Sunday (1 p.m.) to award the second qualifying ticket for the quarter-finals in Group D. In the lead after three successful victories, England can no longer be caught. Only one of the two teams will therefore be able to access this final phase.
After a defeat against England and victories against a team from Chile in full discovery and the Samoans still too discreet, Japanese and Argentinians have a golden chance to save their World Cup. And they are well aware of it. “We have in mind how important this match is for us,” assured Agustin Creevy, Pumas hooker, at a press conference. It’s like a round of 16. It’s another final that we have to win. »
A very different game plan
The possible scenarios are clear. If Japan wins, the Braves Blossoms qualify. In the event of a draw or victory for Argentina, it is the South Americans who will be the runners-up to the English. “If we lose, it’s over for us,” said Yuichiro Fujii, team director. We must win to avoid dying. Players are aware that this is a life and death match. »
Very clever will be the one who predicts the outcome of this meeting. Because the two teams have had almost identical results since the start of the World Cup, offering very different rugby. When the Japanese rely more on their speed and speed of execution, the Argentines can count on a solid pack and an ability to dominate the conquest. “We know that their play after phases of conquest is their main strength,” confirmed Jack Cornelsen, Japanese second row. We must succeed in disrupting them in this sector so that they do not create dynamics and so that they develop their game. When we have the opportunity to attack, it will be about being freed, playing the Japanese and make them move back. »
« Samurai Time »
Pumas also know the qualities of their opponents, but prefer to focus on their own strengths. “We have done the analysis work, it is a very disciplined team, with very good winning and a very reliable scorer,” said Julian Montoya, captain of this team. But we focus on us, on how to impose our game, our physical density, our game plan to score points. »
Tactics and technique may not be enough, however. Because in a match of such importance, the mental aspect can make an inevitable difference. The Japanese understood this well. “It was the players who led the training rather than the coaches,” explained Yuichiro Fujii. This week, it was Keita Inagaki (pillar of the Panasonic Wild Knights). He talked about this match like Samurai Time. Once the katana is out, it’s life and death. We must bring down our katana (sword in Japanese) on the opponent to defeat him. These words about mindset are more important than the game plan right now. » This Sunday at 1 p.m., there will indeed no longer be time to procrastinate. Argentinians and Japanese have 80 minutes to survive.
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