Rugby World Cup: Pumas pounce on injury-hit Irish to reach semis

Bowe’s replacement Luke Fitzgerald profited from a Pumas error, however, to sprint clear and cross, helping to halve the deficit while Ramiro Herrera was sin-binned.

The picture looked far less gloomy for Schmidt’s side at half-time at 10-20 behind. Fitzgerald then turned provider for Jordi Murphy to go over four minutes after the interval and Ian Madigan’s conversion reduced Irish arrears to just 17-20.

Argentina wingers Santiago Cordero, whose chipped kick played a huge part in the opening try, and Imhoff helped to get their side upfield, inviting indiscipline from Ireland. This allowed Sanchez to restore a six-point advantage.

Herrera escapes Pumas punishment

Having already been booked, forward Herrera was lucky to avoid further sanctions when appearing to lead with his shoulder in the ruck. Madigan’s penalty made things close again, but his subsequent miss which would’ve drawn Ireland level proved costly.

Devin Toner’s high tackle on Sanchez gifted the Pumas kicker with another opportunity to put penalty points on the board. Full back Joaquin Tuculet then grounded a third Argentina try, profiting from a two-on-one down their left.

With Irish spirit sapped, Imhoff sprinted clear when Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe offloaded to him. Sanchez converted for the fourth time to complement as many penalties, and the Pumas’ lead ended up being 20-40.

The curse of the quarter-finals hits Ireland again, but Argentina always looked good value in the betting to get through because of so many absentees for Schmidt’s side. Coral now make the Pumas 14/1 shots to go all the way and win the Rugby World Cup.

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