Montoya’s three tries timely boost for Pumas
Hooker Julian Montoya led the way with a hat-trick of tries as Argentina beat Tonga 28-12 yesterday to keep their Rugby World Cup hopes alive.
Tonga trailed 28-0 in Osaka, but rallied with two fine tries from fullback Telusa Veainu, who looked sharp on his return from a nagging foot injury.
The Pumas lost their opening game to France. So Mario Ledesma’s lineup needed this bonus-point win ahead of next weekend’s game against Pool C leaders England, the 2003 champions who have already beaten Tonga and the United States.
This was a comfortable win, but the way Tonga got back into the game and pushed hard for a third try might concern Ledesma.
His team changes included dropping mainstay first fiveeighth Nicolas Sanchez and handing Benjamin Urdapilleta his first start since 2013.
Montoya had scored a try as a replacement in the 23-21 loss to France, and took his tournament tally to four after replacing former captain Agustin Creevy in the starting XV.
Santiago Carreras was also a new pick on the left wing, and the 21-year-old got his first international try in a one-sided first half.
A rout appeared imminent at this point with not even 30 minutes played but Tonga woke up with a well-taken try from Veainu after a neat side-step into the left corner.
Flanker Tomas Lavanini prevented a second Tonga try on the halftime buzzer, barging wing David Halaifonua out of bounds in the left corner. The try was ruled out, although there were questions over the tackle.
After the break, the pace of the contest dropped at a humid 22,000-capacity Hanazono Rugby Stadium. Argentine halfback Tomas Cubelli had a try ruled out in the 52nd minute for a knockon, following a referral to the TV match official. Tonga improved, and Veainu did well to squeeze into the right corner for a try.