Hey rugby fans! Get ready for an epic showdown between England and Argentina in the third-place play-off match of the Rugby World Cup 2023. It’s going to be a thrilling clash at the Stade de France in Paris on Friday, 27th October, with kick-off at 20:00 BST. So, grab your snacks and settle in for an exciting evening of rugby action!
England and Argentina have had quite a journey in this World Cup. They faced each other in the opening match of the tournament, where England emerged victorious with a 27-10 win. Since then, both teams have had their ups and downs.
England, led by their captain George Ford, showed great resilience in their Pool D opener against Argentina. Despite being reduced to 14 players, they managed to secure a convincing victory with Ford kicking an impressive 27 points. However, their journey took a slight detour when they lost to South Africa in the semi-finals after defeating Fiji in the quarter-finals.
On the other hand, Argentina had a strong start to the tournament, defeating Wales in the quarter-finals. However, they were outclassed by New Zealand in the semi-finals. A third-place finish for England would be considered a success, especially considering their low ranking at the start of the tournament. For Argentina, a bronze medal would equal their best finish at a World Cup, matching their achievement in 2007 when the tournament was held in France.
Now, let’s talk team news. Tom Curry, despite the controversy surrounding his red card in the pool game, retains his place in the starting XV for England. Marcus Smith returns to full-back after missing the semi-final, and Ben Youngs makes his first start of the tournament in his final appearance for England before retiring from international rugby.
Argentina, on the other hand, have made three changes from their semi-final squad. Pedro Rubiolo starts in the second-row, Tomas Cubelli is named at scrum-half, and Jeronimo de la Fuente will begin the game at inside centre. Head coach Michael Cheika has shown faith in 19 of the matchday squad that faced England in the opening game.
It’s going to be an intense battle on the field, with both teams eager to end their World Cup campaign on a high note. England will be looking to prove their worth and show that they are deserving of a higher ranking, while Argentina will be determined to secure a historic bronze medal.
So, make sure you tune in to the match on Friday and witness the excitement unfold. Whether you’re cheering for England or Argentina, it’s bound to be a thrilling clash that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Don’t miss out on this epic showdown in the Rugby World Cup 2023!