Argentina U20s have turned Pool C into a straight shootout with England after an eight-try, 62-40 win over Ireland at the Junior World Championship in Tbilisi.
World Rugby’s official match report confirmed Los Pumitas moved to two wins from two at Avchala Stadium, with full-back Simon Pfister scoring twice and taking his tournament tally to five tries.
Argentina had already beaten USA 78-14 in their opener. This was a sharper statement because Ireland arrived needing a response after losing narrowly to England, but they were 31-7 down by half-time and chasing the game from there.
Argentina’s Pool C Picture Sharpens
Luciano Avaca, Federico Serpa Laporte, Pfister and captain Tomas Dande crossed before the break as Argentina’s speed on turnover ball repeatedly stretched Ireland’s defensive spacing.
Ireland did secure a try bonus point through Rian Handley, Charlie O’Shea, Jack Deegan, Blake McClean and Josh Neill, but the damage had already been done. Argentina kept scoring after half-time through Pfister, Avaca, Bautista Lescano and Manuel Giannantonio.
The result leaves Argentina and England both unbeaten before next Tuesday’s Pool C decider, with the winner strongly placed to claim the semi-final route.
ReadRugbyUnion previewed the fixture through the confirmed team lists earlier on Thursday, but the result has now changed the shape of the group. Argentina’s attack has produced 140 points across two matches, and Ireland’s title route is effectively closed despite their attacking resilience.
Source: World Rugby matchday two report; ReadRugbyUnion match preview.
