Wales and Argentina will face off in the first quarter-final of the 2023 Rugby World Cup on Saturday, 14 October at the Stade de France in Paris.
Both teams have been in good form in the lead-up to the tournament, with Wales winning three of their four warm-up matches and Argentina winning all four of theirs.
The two teams have met 25 times in the past, with Wales winning 14 matches and Argentina winning 11. However, Argentina have won the last three meetings between the two sides.
Here are three key contests that could decide the outcome of the match:
1. Scrum
Both teams have strong scrums, but Argentina’s scrum is particularly powerful. The Pumas have a number of experienced front-rowers, including hooker Agustin Creevy and props Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro and Marcos Kremer.
Wales will need to be at their best in the scrum if they want to compete with Argentina. They will need to put pressure on the Pumas’ pack and try to win penalties.
2. Lineout
Both teams have good lineouts, but Wales’ lineout is particularly strong. The Welsh have a number of tall and athletic jumpers, including flanker Alun Wyn Jones and lock Adam Beard.
Argentina will need to be careful not to give Wales the ball in good attacking positions. They will need to put pressure on the Welsh lineout and try to steal the ball.
3. Back three
Both teams have talented back threes, but Argentina’s back three is particularly dangerous. The Pumas have a number of quick and skilful players, including wingers Emiliano Boffelli and Juan Cruz Mallia.
Wales will need to be careful not to give Argentina too much space in the backfield. They will need to defend well and try to force the Pumas into making mistakes.
Prediction
This is a very close match to call. Both teams are evenly matched and have a number of world-class players.
However, I think Argentina have a slight edge. They have a more powerful scrum and a more dangerous back three.
I predict that Argentina will win the match by a narrow margin.
