Wales vs Argentina LIVE! Rugby World Cup 2023 result, match stream and latest updates today

Wales vs Argentina LIVE!

The first spot in the 2023 Rugby World Cup final four has been claimed by Argentina after a huge first quarter-final clash in Marseille. Ireland or New Zealand will now be waiting for the Pumas in Paris on Friday night, as the serious business of the knockout stages kicks into gear.

Rejuvenated Wales topped Pool C in impressive fashion, hammering Australia on their way to winning all four matches. Warren Gatland’s side did not arrive at the tournament in particularly strong form, but they had found a way to get the job done and were eyeing a third semi-final appearance in the last four World Cups. They raced into a 10-0 lead early on Saturday afternoon thanks to Dan Biggar, who will now retire from international rugby after a despairing defeat.

Argentina hit back repeatedly through the trusty boot of wing Emiliano Boffelli and withstood Tomos Williams’ second-half try to get two more crucial scores of their own through Joel Sclavi and Nicolas Sanchez. Follow Wales vs Argentina reaction live below, with expert analysis from Nick Purewal at the Stade Velodrome.

Wales vs Argentina highlights

• TRY! Sanchez seals win after intercept

• TRY! Sclavi goes over as momentum shifts again

• TRY! Tomos Williams darts over to retake lead

• Two more Boffelli penalties put Pumas ahead

• Late Boffelli penalties cut Welsh lead at the break

• Referee Jaco Peyper leaves with Achilles injury

• TRY! Biggar breaks through early for Wales

Ireland vs New Zealand epic up next

18:11 , George Flood

So who will be playing Argentina in Paris on Friday night?

Attentions now quickly turn to tonight’s blockbuster between Ireland and New Zealand at the Stade de France.

Follow that game live here

Wales 17-29 Argentina

18:01 , George Flood

Standard Sport’s Nick Purewal at the Stade Velodrome

Boffelli slots a penalty on the final whistle and Argentina win 29-17.

Now the Pumas will face either Ireland or New Zealand in the semi-finals.

A third semi-final for Argentina. A remarkable turnaround in this match, after Wales had led 10-0.

Wales 17-29 Argentina

18:00 , George Flood

Full-time

Argentina claim the first semi-final place at this World Cup and will play either Ireland or New Zealand in Paris on Friday night.

Wales are heading home in despair.

18:00 , George Flood

Standard Sport’s Nick Purewal at the Stade Velodrome

Nicolas Sanchez has surely just stolen this for the Pumas. The replacement fly-half picked off Sam Costelow’s stray pass, then raced almost half the field to dive under the posts.

Boffelli’s conversion puts Argentina into a 26-17 lead heading into the closing stages.

PENALTY! Wales 17-29 Argentina | Emiliano Boffelli 80'

17:59 , George Flood

80 mins: Boffelli with a last-gasp penalty to really put this game beyond Wales - rubbing salt into the wound.

Heartbreak for Warren Gatland’s side.

TRY! Wales 17-26 Argentina | Nicolas Sanchez 77'

17:55 , George Flood

77 mins: The Pumas are surely now heading into the Rugby World Cup semi-finals!

A heartbreaking moment for young Scarlets fly-half Costelow on only his fourth senior cap as his telegraphed pass intended for Tomos Williams is ruthlessly picked off.

A great read and intercept from the experienced Sanchez, who races home from 60 metres to start the Argentina party. Conversion added by Boffelli, Wales facing a nine-point deficit with just three minutes to go.

Too big a mountain to climb at this stage.

Wales 17-19 Argentina

17:54 , George Flood

76 mins: Biggar limps off for Wales - is that the last time we see him in a Wales shirt?

Tompkins back from his HIA. Sam Costelow at fly-half.

Standard Sport’s Nick Purewal at the Stade Velodrome

Newcastle’s Matias Moroni just pulled off the mother of all cover tackles to deny Louis Rees-Zammit what was almost a certain try in the corner.

A ridiculous effort from the replacement to thwart Wales here.

Wales 17-19 Argentina

17:52 , George Flood

74 mins: So, so close for Wales!

Dyer breaks through but can’t find either of the two supporting players to his left.

But North gets there quickly to keep the attack alive and find Rees-Zammit, who dives for the left corner but is short as he’s put into touch by an absolutely sensational, physics-defying tackle from Moroni.

What. A. Tackle. Absolutely incredible.

On-field decision is no try and replays show Rees-Zammit was indeed well short. Agonising.

Wales 17-19 Argentina

17:50 , George Flood

72 mins: Former London Irish stalwart Creevy, 38, and Sclavi hadn’t been on long for Argentina before that try, with Lautaro Bazan and Nicolas Sanchez also entering the fray.

Wales 17-19 Argentina

17:48 , George Flood

Wales 17-19 Argentina

17:47 , George Flood

Standard Sport’s Nick Purewal at the Stade Velodrome

Argentina punt three straight penalties to the corner for lineouts, and power home eventually, through replacement prop Joel Sclavi.

Wales were unable to cope with Argentina’s power up front, and in the end the Pumas drove across the whitewash.

Boffelli’s conversion put Argentina back in front at 19-17, and now Wales will have to come from behind again.

TRY! Wales 17-19 Argentina | Joel Sclavi 68'

17:43 , George Flood

68 mins: The Pumas will not be denied this time!

The rolling maul does more damage, with Sale’s Creevy breaking off.

Wales think they have a crucial turnover through Lewis, but instead it’s replacement prop Sclavi who picks up and drives over.

A crucial Boffelli penalty puts the Pumas back in front by two points with just over 10 minutes to play.

Tense, tense stuff at the Stade Velodrome!

Wales 17-12 Argentina

17:42 , George Flood

66 mins: Again the Welsh defence stand up but again it’s a penalty and a third chance for the Argentine rolling maul after another kick to the corner.

Dillon Lewis and Dafydd Jenkins come on for Wales.

Tomas Francis and Adam Beard off.

Wales 17-12 Argentina

17:40 , George Flood

66 mins: Monstrous stuff from the Welsh defence as they hold Argentina up initially after a destructive rolling maul.

But the Pumas have another penalty and will go again...

Wales 17-12 Argentina

17:39 , George Flood

Standard Sport’s Nick Purewal at the Stade Velodrome

Wales cannot believe Guido Petti gets away with no punishment for a shoulder into Nick Tompkins’ head. To make matters worse, Tompkins is ordered off for a head-injury assessment.

Petti cleaned out Tompkins at a ruck, was not looking and his shoulder clattered into Tompkins’ face. How a player can be sent for a HIA and the opponent who collided with his head receive no censure seems extreme.

Wales 17-12 Argentina

17:38 , George Flood

65 mins: Tomkins gets hit in the head by the shoulder of Pumas lock Petti, who Wales want punished here for a dangerous clear-out at the ruck.

However, after lengthy checks, there’s no card.

Biggar not happy. And Tompkins is ordered off for a HIA.

Argentina keep their penalty, which has been kicked to touch deep inside the Welsh 22.

Big moments coming up in this quarter-final...

Wales 17-12 Argentina

17:36 , George Flood

Wales 17-12 Argentina

17:32 , George Flood

61 mins: Rees-Zammit is going to full-back after that latest Welsh change, by the way.

Dyer onto the wing.

Into the final quarter we go.

Standard Sport’s Nick Purewal at the Stade Velodrome

Tomos Williams has only been on the field for six minutes, but has nipped in for a crucial score for Wales here.

The replacement scrum-half capitalised on a gaping hole around Argentina’s fringes to put Wales back into the lead. Biggar’s conversion put Wales 17-12 to the good, approaching the hour.

Wales 17-12 Argentina

17:31 , George Flood

60 mins: Liam Williams goes off - his latest knock will be a big concern for the semi-finals if Wales make it.

Rio Dyer is on in his place.

Wales 17-12 Argentina

17:30 , George Flood

59 mins: More Welsh replacements as Corey Domachowski and Christ Tshiunza both came on after that try.

Prop Gareth Thomas and flanker Reffell off.

TRY! Wales 17-12 Argentina | Tomos Williams 57'

17:26 , George Flood

57 mins: Wales hit back!

Boy did they need that, with livewire replacement scrum-half Williams executing a perfect show and go to fool the Argentine defence and rush in from 20 metres to go over between the posts.

Biggar adds the extras. Wales take back the lead with just over 20 minutes to play in Marseille.

What an impact from Williams! Gatland’s early second-half scrum-half change pays off handsomely.

Wales 10-12 Argentina

17:25 , George Flood

55 mins: Three changes in the pack now from Argentina.

Eduardo Bello, Matias Alemanno and Rodrigo Bruni replace Kodela, Lavanini and Isa.

Wales 10-12 Argentina

17:21 , George Flood

53 mins: The momentum of this game has completely shifted now thanks to the boot of Boffelli.

Liam Williams stayed down and needed treatment after a bruising hit a few minutes ago and Biggar is still visibly struggling too.

Wales look a bit stunned and need to turn the tide quickly, though they continue to pile up the errors as a pass bounces off Saracens’ Nick Tompkins and forward.

Argentina scrum. Wales have made an early change at scrum-half by the way, Gareth Davies replaced by Tomos Williams.

Wales 10-12 Argentina

17:20 , George Flood

Standard Sport’s Nick Purewal at the Stade Velodrome

Long-range specialist Boffelli delivers with a howitzer penalty to wrestle Argentina a 12-10 lead.

The Pumas pulled off a first big breakdown penalty, and then Boffelli delivered a monstrous shot to turn the tide. Wales under massive pressure here now.

PENALTY! Wales 10-12 Argentina | Emiliano Boffelli 48’

17:16 , George Flood

48 mins: Wow - Boffelli’s long-range effort from inside his own half just creeps over and Argentina lead for the first time in this quarter-final!

What a kick.

A fine turnover and breakdown penalty earned from the Pumas.

Wales need a response here.

Wales 10-9 Argentina

17:15 , George Flood

Standard Sport’s Nick Purewal at the Stade Velodrome

The Pumas draw first blood in the second half, Boffelli slotting a third penalty after a potent drive to the Wales whitewash.

Wales lead just 10-9 now, with the pressure really ramping up.

PENALTY! Wales 10-9 Argentina | Emiliano Boffelli 44'

17:12 , George Flood

44 mins: A fast start to the second half from the Pumas, who get their reward with another penalty in front of the posts that sails over from Boffelli.

Wales’ 10-point lead has been cut down to just one with 35 minutes to play.

It was Reffell I think that was pinged for not rolling away in the tackle after more strong carrying inside the 22 from Argentina, who were immediately threatening an early score after the break.

Wales 10-6 Argentina

17:08 , George Flood

Back underway in Marseille!

This second half is very finely poised, with the small matter of the first spot in the Rugby World Cup semi-finals up for grabs in a tense affair at the Stade Velodrome.

Wales have made a half-time change, with Elias replaced by co-captain Dewi Lake at hooker.

An injury or a consequence of those lineout struggles?

Argentina centre Chocobares has also failed his HIA, so Moroni is on permanently.

Wales 10-6 Argentina

17:07 , George Flood

You imagine that every Wales player will get a change of shirt at the break.

The peeling number issues must be making things very difficult indeed for the referee.

Wales 10-6 Argentina

17:03 , George Flood

I think Adams is very lucky to avoid a spell in the bin there.

Suprised replacement referee Dickson viewed the incident so leniently.

Wales 10-6 Argentina

17:00 , George Flood

The only try of that first half from Dan Biggar...

Wales 10-6 Argentina

16:57 , George Flood

Standard Sport’s Nick Purewal at the Stade Velodrome

Well, Wales turn around with a lead of just 10-6 after wasting several fine chances and several more equally good platforms.

Argentina claimed two late penalties to drag themselves back into the game. The Pumas will also be wondering quite how Josh Adams did not receive a yellow card for a shoulder barge that was off the ball.

Wales’ fast start has dissipated somewhat, but Gatland’s men still hold the lead at the break.

Wales 10-6 Argentina

16:54 , George Flood

Half-time

PENALTY! Wales 10-6 Argentina | Emiliano Boffelli 43'

16:53 , George Flood

43 mins: Another easy kick for Boffelli to end this feisty first half.

Wales go in four points ahead, having lost control for a good few minutes there as they dealt with a lot of pressure.

A good morale boost for the Pumas, who had looked a little lost and ill-disciplined trailing 10-0 but are now right back in this.

Gatland will be ruing some missed chances.

Wales 10-3 Argentina

16:52 , George Flood

43 mins: It was an ill-advised shoulder check from Adams on scrum-half Cubelli after the ball had gone and the whistle had been blown that started that furious ruckus as players from both sides quickly piled in.

The officials rule that he actually wrapped there and see it as a bit of a cheap shot rather than a dangerous shoulder charge.

The Pumas fans in the crowd are getting more incensed every time the replay is shown on the big screen.

The Argentine penalty remains. No card for Adams.

Wales 10-3 Argentina

16:48 , George Flood

40 mins: All of a sudden Wales are under enormous pressure at the end of a scrappy first half!

There are waves and waves of Argentina attack building and they now have another penalty for offside with the clock in the red.

But hang on, there’s a huge melee to sort out first and that decision could now be reversed...

PENALTY! Wales 10-3 Argentina | Emiliano Boffelli 38'

16:45 , George Flood

38 mins: The Welsh defence stands up once more, but again Argentina were attacking with a penalty advantage for offside.

They point to the posts in order to get on the board and there’s no mistake from Boffelli this time with a straightforward kick.

The Wales lead is cut to seven with half-time quickly approaching.

Wales 10-0 Argentina

16:43 , George Flood

36 mins: Wales are penalised at the scrum and Argentina have an attacking chance now before half-time as it’s booted into touch inside the 22.

They safely claim their own lineout ball and are asking questions of the Welsh defence...

Wales 10-0 Argentina

16:42 , George Flood

35 mins: Wales are in control here, but they are making a number of handling errors to go along with their repeated lineout struggles.

Wales 10-0 Argentina

16:41 , George Flood

31 mins: Cheika is incredulous up in the coaches’ box as Argentina produce an up-an-under but end up conceding another penalty.

However, a third Welsh lineout of this first half now goes astray. Elias really struggling with his accuracy.

Wales 10-0 Argentina

16:37 , George Flood

28 mins: Wales miss the chance to go 13-0 to the good as Biggar’s long-range penalty after supreme breakdown work from Reffell and Morgan misses wide to the left.

Chocobares has gone off for a HIA for Argentina. Newcastle’s Matias Moroni into the Pumas’ midfield.

Wales 10-0 Argentina

16:35 , George Flood

Standard Sport’s Nick Purewal at the Stade Velodrome

Wales break Argentina open again, but North’s bullet inside ball slams off Adams’ chest for a knock-on.

Aaron Wainwright’s lovely pass under huge pressure set up the break. Gatland’s boys are on song here.

Wales 10-0 Argentina

16:34 , George Flood

26 mins: Argentina need a brilliant turnover from Mateo Carreras to ease the latest period of Welsh pressure after an off-the-ball tackle on Reffell is whistled.

Another Wales lineout had not gone to plan, with Wainwright picking the ball up but becoming isolated in the tackle.

Wales 10-0 Argentina

16:31 , George Flood

23 mins: That’s another needless error under not much pressure from Argentina as a breakdown offence allows Biggar to boom down-field for another promising attacking platform.

The Pumas get a let-off though, with Wales hooker Elias’ lineout throw sailing too long and gathered by grateful blue and white shirts.

PENALTY! Wales 10-0 Argentina | Dan Biggar 20'

16:29 , George Flood

20 mins: No ill-effects from Biggar there as he steps up to drill a penalty and extend the Welsh first-half lead to 10 after Argentina are pinged for offside.

The Pumas are displaying a lot of concerning ill-discipline early on here.

Wales 7-0 Argentina

16:26 , George Flood

17 mins: The game is getting bogged down at the set-piece now as both sides try to establish scrum supremacy.

Biggar has been moving uncomfortably since trying to slow a charging Chocobares a few moments ago.

Wales will be desperate for their retiring No10 to shake that off quickly.

As mentioned there’s no Gareth Anscombe on the bench due to a groin issue, so it’s three-cap Sam Costelow providing fly-half cover for Gatland today.

Wales 7-0 Argentina

16:22 , George Flood

Standard Sport’s Nick Purewal at the Stade Velodrome

Referee Jaco Peyper has pulled a calf seemingly... so England’s Karl Dickson will take over.

The former Harlequins scrum-half has risen quickly through the officiating ranks but now has to take charge in a way he would never have anticipated.

Wales 7-0 Argentina

16:21 , George Flood

Standard Sport’s Nick Purewal at the Stade Velodrome

Wales draw first blood with a lovely set play, Biggar feeding inside to North, who popped off the ground to Gareth Davies.

He in turn found Biggar for the scoring pass, with the 10 scooting under the sticks. A classic Gatland score if ever there was one. Biggar converts his own try, and 15 minutes in, Wales lead 7-0.

Wales 7-0 Argentina

16:20 , George Flood

16 mins: Jaco Peyper can’t continue here.

The South African referee couldn’t keep up with play there and now tells both captains that he has done his calf.

English assistant Karl Dickson is going to have to take over.

TRY! Wales 7-0 Argentina | Dan Biggar 15'

16:16 , George Flood

15 mins: Wales strike first in this quarter-final tie!

Biggar starts and finishes a brilliant Wales move, North breaking through and engineering a two-on-one as the number-less Gareth Davies sends his half-back partner over for the opening try of the afternoon.

Biggar easily converts his own score right in front of the posts. Wales have lift-off in Marseille!

Wales 0-0 Argentina

16:16 , George Flood

13 mins: A bizarre issue for Wales early on here with the numbers peeling off the back of their shirts due to an apparent glue malfunction.

A couple look to have completely fallen off already, including from scrum-half Gareth Davies, with the Welsh bench already preparing replacements.

A lovely step from Morgan there but he’s stopped before he can burst clear.

Wales 0-0 Argentina

16:15 , George Flood

11 mins: A lot of work for this Wales defence to get through early doors - they are already racking up the tackles as back-rower Isa makes another encouraging break.

Argentina look much sharper with ball in hand early on in Marseille, but they are mostly struggling to get over the gain line.

Wales 0-0 Argentina

16:13 , George Flood

8 mins: Argentina pose more ominous early threat with ball in hand, but Wales’ defence is keeping them at bay for now.

They are maintaining their discipline well through the phases, tackling strongly and showing good line speed.

Wales are sending up a lot of kicks in this first 10 minutes, but it’s not being accompanied by a sharp-enough chase.

Wales 0-0 Argentina

16:11 , George Flood

Standard Sport’s Nick Purewal at the Stade Velodrome

The Argentina fans are bouncing up and down and making a serious amount of noise in the stadium.

It’s only a short hop from the Basque country across to Marseille anyway, so plenty of Spain-based Pumas fans have had an easy trip.

It’s a fast start from Argentina too, but Emiliano Boffelli scuffs a penalty wide that he would usually expect to nail.

Wales 0-0 Argentina

16:09 , George Flood

5 mins: Superb attacking play from Argentina, who shape to kick but then streak down the right flank with pace and purpose.

There are some hugely physical carries deeper and deeper inside that Welsh 22, with Gatland’s defence scrambling to keep the likes of lock Lavanini at bay.

Rees-Zammit makes a crucial last-ditch intervention to prevent the try down the Wales right but Argentina were playing with a lengthy advantage there and we’ll eventually come back for the penalty.

They point to the posts, but Boffelli hooks across the posts and wide! We remain scoreless in Marseille. He’d have expected to get that one.

Wales 0-0 Argentina

16:05 , George Flood

2 mins: An intense start from Wales, with an early hit from Adams on Cubelli really setting the early quarter-final tempo.

Argentina clear their lines initially but here come Warren Gatland’s side already in full flow after the ball goes backwards off an aerial tussle with Biggar, playing the ball through the hands out well out right, with Liam Williams finding Rees-Zammit.

Rees-Zammit puts boot to ball and chases with huge pressure on goal-kicking wing Boffelli, who does just enough to escape.

Wales vs Argentina

16:02 , George Flood

KICK-OFF

Some very passionate renditions of those national anthems, as you might expect.

Referee Jaco Peyper blows his whistle and Biggar kicks to get the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals underway!

Who will seal the first last-four spot in Marseille?

Wales vs Argentina

15:55 , George Flood

Here come the teams in Marseille!

We will have a minute’s silence before the national anthems.

Wales vs Argentina

15:54 , George Flood

Standard Sport’s Nick Purewal at the Stade Velodrome

So Wales will be hoping that all of Warren Gatland’s big-game experience can send them into another World Cup semi-final.

At the same time, Michael Cheika is one of the globe’s wiliest operators too, so Argentina will be fizzing in Marseille.

The Pumas have yet to produce a top-level performance in this tournament, and they will be desperate to remedy that today.

If Argentina are all tears and fury in the anthems, then Wales could be in for a serious onslaught at the Stade Velodrome.

15:40 , George Flood

Final preparations at the Stade Velodrome!

Gatland: Argentina will come with a lot of confidence

15:25 , George Flood

Warren Gatland speaking to ITV ahead of kick-off, discussing the fitness of Liam Williams and Dan Biggar, the back-row reshuffle to cover Taulupe Faletau’s absence, the crucial breakdown battle and the threat posed by Argentina...

Wales vs Argentina

15:14 , George Flood

Standard Sport’s rugby correspondent Nick Purewal is in position at the Stade Velodrome and offers his pre-match thoughts on today’s first massive Rugby World Cup quarter-final contest...

15:09 , George Flood

And as if it was needed, a little reminder to both sets of players and coaches what they would be potentially moving to within just two more wins of with another victory in Marseille today.

The Webb Ellis Cup stationed proudly at pitchside. I would have thought it would be in Paris...

Cracking atmosphere building

15:05 , George Flood

Already a brilliant atmosphere bubbling in and around the sunny Stade Velodrome, scene of Argentina’s hugely disappointing loss to 14-man England in the Pool D opener last month.

Both nations are clearly well represented with plenty of fans contributing to a brilliant display of noise, colour and general rugby bonhomie.

Less than an hour to go now until-kick off!

14:51 , George Flood

Dan Biggar also revealed the lengths he has gone to in order to be back fit for today’s quarter-final, having been forced off just 12 minutes into that 40-6 humiliation of the Wallabies in Lyon - a triumphant result that saw Warren Gatland’s rejuvenated side become the first team to officially reach the knockout stages.

Gareth Anscombe kicked 23 points that day after filling in for Biggar, but he’s now out with a groin issue so any further setbacks for the starting 10 today and it will be Scarlets’ 22-year-old, three-cap Sam Costelow taking the reins instead.

"Initially, I thought it was going to be really difficult, but we have managed to heal up okay,” Biggar said of his injury.

"Basically, I have just been with the physios pretty much every day for the last two-and-a-half weeks and getting myself back for this. It was one which I really didn't want to miss.

"I am just really lucky, I suppose, lucky and grateful to be preparing for a game tomorrow. It was one of those where I thought it would have been such a shame to have ended it that way.

"It is important to say it's not about myself or anybody else leaving the team tomorrow, it is about making sure that we stay on because the belief and the confidence we've got in the group now is really high."

Biggar: Last Wales outing can’t be quarter-final loss

14:39 , George Flood

Dan Biggar having recovered from the pectoral injury he suffered in the demolition of Australia three weeks ago is a major boost for Wales in Marseille today.

The influential fly-half, who turns 34 on Monday, is due to retire from international rugby after this World Cup and is determined to ensure that this afternoon’s quarter-final showdown with Argentina is not his Test swansong.

Biggar has had the luxury of home comforts this week with Wales training in Toulon, where he has played his club rugby since last year.

"For me, I am not thinking about anything, I don't want this to be my last day as a rugby player for Wales. Hopefully, it will be the case I have another two weeks," Biggar said.

"For those of us who will be finishing after the World Cup there will be a bit of extra pressure, but it is also a huge motivation.

"I definitely don't want my last day as a Welsh rugby player to be losing a quarter-final.

"We have worked as hard as we possibly can all week, doing everything we possibly can as a team and individuals to make sure we go out on a high rather than a disappointing end."

Another semi-final?

14:25 , Matt Verri

Wales looking to make it three semi-final appearances in four World Cups.

There was little optimism about them reaching the last-four heading into this tournament, but the mood has certainly been lifted and Warren Gatland’s side are favourites to get the better of Argentina.

Just the small matter of Ireland or New Zealand in the semi-finals if they do get through...

Gatland explains back-row balance

14:16 , Matt Verri

Warren Gatland has told Wales to be at sixes and sevens over their back-row approach this afternoon.

Head coach Gatland has paired captain Jac Morgan and Tommy Reffell in his back-row unit, pitching two natural openside flankers in from the off.

But the Kiwi boss has insisted Morgan and Reffell will not operate as dual No 7s, instead demanding that the two split up the back-row jobs in the traditional fashion.

Wales must cope without Taulupe Faletau in the last-eight clash in Marseille, after the 32-year-old suffered a broken arm.

“They are definitely going to be playing six and seven, so Jac is taking more of a role where Taulupe would have been from a lineout perspective,” said Gatland.

“I see them as a crossover from a defensive point of view from the scrum. Hopefully there are not too many changes.

“We want to get the ball in Jac’s hands, we know how good he is from a carrying perspective. He has been outstanding, his kicking game has been excellent as well.”

Pumas battle through

14:09 , Matt Verri

Winger Mateo Carreras scored three tries as Argentina beat Japan 39-27 on Sunday to set up this clash with Wales.

It was a winner-takes-all encounter, with second spot in Pool D going to whoever came out on top. The Pumas got off to a flying start with a try after 67 seconds by centre Santiago Chocobares in a piercing run through the defence, but Japan pulled level at 7-7 midway through the first half after lock Amato Fakatava’s try near the posts.

Argentina went ahead again when Carreras ended a counter-attack with a try in the corner while Japan flanker Pieter Labuschagne was in the sin bin for a head high tackle.

However, with Emiliano Boffelli having missed a conversion and a prior penalty, the Japanese moved to within a point,

Carreras scored his second try early in the second half though and his third after the Japanese had pulled back to within two points, as Argentina just about got the job done.

All eyes on Marseille!

13:59 , Matt Verri

Cheika: We need something special

13:53 , Matt Verri

Argentina head coach Michael Cheika has been keen to take the pressure of his side in the build-up to this match, insisting they are big underdogs this afternoon.

“We know Wales are favourites and that’s pretty clearly obvious, everyone’s made that point to us bar our Argentine supporters,” Cheika said.

“We know that we’re going to have to do something different, something special around the game on Saturday so that we can be competitive with them, but I’m a huge believer in our team.

“I love the fellas, they’re always together, they’re a very committed team and I know they’ll enjoy this occasion.”

Gatland delivers verdict on World Cup draw

13:44 , Matt Verri

Warren Gatland has insisted none of Wales’ rivals can have any complaints with the lopsided Rugby World Cup draw.

Wales take on Argentina in Marseille, with England facing Fiji tomorrow at the Stade Velodrome. Ireland play New Zealand later today, before France’s clash with South Africa also takes play at the Stade de France to round off the weekend.

The world’s four top-ranked teams will all clash in Paris, leaving the Marseille matches comprising lower-rated outfits.

“I just say to the other teams, they should have done better in the last World Cup shouldn’t they?” said Gatland.

“That is where the draw has come from. It’s not our fault that it happened. If teams had better performances and results from the last World Cup they would probably be in different pools.

“You didn’t hear us complaining in 2015 when we had Fiji, Australia and England in the same pool, we never complained about that. You are dealt the hand and you have just got to deal with it.”

Standard Sport prediction

13:38 , Matt Verri

The way Wales dealt with Australia showed they are capable of rising to the big occasion, even if they were pushed all the way by Fiji to open the tournament.

Since that close shave, the World Cup has gone exactly to plan for Gatland to dismiss pre-tournament fears they would be vulnerable to an upset.

Argentina, meanwhile, have not exactly impressed in overcoming Samoa and Japan to reach the knockouts, and have not been able to find any real consistency.

Wales to win, by 15 points

Argentina team news

13:33 , Matt Verri

Argentina have lost Pablo Matera to a hamstring tear, ending his World Cup in a major blow to the Pumas.

Lucas Paulos has been called up as his replacement, but it is Facundo Isa who comes into the side as one of two changes, while Tomas Cubelli gets the nod over Gonzalo Bertranou at scrum-half.

Argentina XV: Mallia; Boffelli, Cinti, Chocobares, M Carreras; S Carreras, Cubelli; Gallo, Montoya (c), G Kodela; Petti, Lavanini; Gonzalez, Kremer, Isa

Replacements: Creevy, Sclavi, Bello, Alemanno, Bruni, Bazan Velez, Sanchez, Moroni

Wales team news

13:27 , Matt Verri

Wales have Dan Biggar back and fit to start at fly-half in a huge boost after a pectoral injury suffered in the 40-6 drubbing of Australia last month. Liam Williams also starts at full-back despite a knee issue that forced him off against Georgia last time out.

Gatland is without experienced No 8 Taulupe Faletau for the remainder of the tournament with a broken arm suffered in the win over Georgia in Nantes, with Aaron Wainwright switching to the base of the scrum on Saturday, Jac Morgan moving to blindside flanker and Tommy Reffell getting the nod at openside.

Adam Beard is back in the second row in place of Dafydd Jenkins having flown home for the birth of his child last week.

There is no Gareth Anscombe due to a groin problem, with fly-half cover for Biggar coming from Scarlets’ Sam Costelow instead.

Wales XV: L Williams; Rees-Zammit, North, Tompkins, Adams; Biggar, G Davies; G Thomas, Elias, Francis; Rowlands, Beard; Morgan (c), Reffell, Wainwright

Replacements: Lake, Domachowski, D Lewis, D Jenkins, Tshiunza, T Williams, Costelow, Dyer

How to watch Wales vs Argentina

13:22 , Matt Verri

TV channel: In the UK, the game is available to watch live and free to air tonight in the UK on ITV1, with coverage beginning at 3pm.

Live stream: Fans can also catch the quarter-final action live online via the ITVX website and app.

Live blog: Follow the game live right here with us!

Good afternoon!

13:17 , Matt Verri

Hello and welcome to Standard Sport’s LIVE coverage of Wales vs Argentina!

It’s the first of the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals, kicking off what promises to be a memorable weekend of rugby in France.

Wales won all four of their matches to top Pool C, having arrived at the tournament facing questions over whether they would be able to make it through to the knockout stages, and their reward is a last-eight clash with Argentina in Marseille.

We’ll have all the latest updates, build-up and team news ahead of kick-off, which comes at 4pm BST from the Stade Velodrome.