Boffelli leads Pumas in win Kicking tee saga rages on
EMILIANO Boffelli was the difference-maker as Argentina survived a late charge to beat Samoa and reignite their Rugby World Cup campaign.
With the Pumas losing to England in their opening Pool D fixture, they needed to beat Samoa to keep alive realistic hopes of progressing into the knockout stages. They did that with an attritional 19-10 win in Saint-Etienne, with Boffelli delivering all the points.
Any pre-match pressures were eased when Samoa’s Duncan Paia’aua was sent to the sinbin in the opening minute of the match.
His absence was felt as Argentina hit the front with Boffelli going over in the corner before converting the try. Three successful penalties from the Edinburgh winger followed, with a Christian Leali’ifano penalty getting Samoa on the board in the first half. Samoa’s defence held firm in the latter stages as they pushed to get back into the game and Sama Malolo’s try — converted by Alai D’Angelo Leuila — put the cat among the pigeons.
SAMOA playmaker Lima Sopoaga has issued another heartfelt plea as the former All Black continues to go without his beloved kicking tee that’s “been around the world.”
This is a story that many can relate to. Whether you cherish a teddy bear, a blanket or even a goal-kicking tee, some people continue to treasure childhood items well into their adult life.
Sopoaga, now 32, has owned the rugby accessory for about 18 years. From Wellington College to the All Blacks, and even at stints with clubs in Europe, the tee has joined Sopoaga for the ride.
Playing in Bordeaux last weekend, Sopoaga brought the tee to the stadium ahead of his Rugby World Cup debut. Samoa went on to win 43-10 over Chile but the flyhalf was left feeling hurt.
“Could whoever took my goalkicking tee from the field please give it back to me,” Sopoaga wrote on September 16th. “I’ll even pay you for it. I’ve had it since I was 14 years old.”
With 984 reposts, 4,874 likes and more than 973,500 views on X at the time of writing, rugby fans from around the world emphasised with Sopoaga, who even offered to pay for the tee.
Fans have gotten behind Sopoaga in an incredible way, but unfortunately, their efforts have been in vain so far.
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I think this team is playing a lot more stronger brand of rugby and they can build the game, stay in the game and still use the electric pace out wide
Mick Byrne
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Before he boarded his car, the boys all stood there and they sang a prayer song, they sang
Naca Cawanibuka