Boffelli puts on a show for Argentina

EMILIANO Boffelli racked up 16 points as Argentina kept their quarter-final hopes alive in a disjointed win over Samoa.

- NICK POWELL

Boffelli crossed in the first ten minutes before hitting two penalties ahead of half-time, with Christian Leali’ifano replying once for Samoa off the tee.

Boffelli’s third penalty extended the gap to 13, but Sama Malolo set-up an exciting finish as he cut the gap to six in the final five minutes.

Nicolas Sanchez made sure of the Pumas points though, denying Samoa a bonus as they ended up more than seven adrift.

Star man Boffelli said: “We knew it wouldn’t be easy. Samoa are a strong team. It was a very important win today.

“It was a very tough game. I am happy for the team. Thanks a lot to everyone. The supporters were incredible. We felt their support.”

For the second game running it appeared Argentina’s opposition may receive an early red card as Santiago Carreras was taken out in the air by Duncan Paia’aua, and Argentina were gifted an opportunity as Leali’ifano conceded a free-kick for not taking Samoa’s earlier one from the mark.