Argentina got their running game off the ground to kickstart a Rugby World Cup pool match with a comfortable 43-8 victory over Romania at Rugby Park Stadium in Invercargill on Saturday.
The Pumas, who finished third at the last World Cup but were beaten by England in their opening match in this year's tournament, ran in six tries to earn a bonus point and keep their hopes of progressing to the quarter-finals very much alive.
They led 26-8 at halftime.
First-five Santiago Fernandez, flanker Juan Manuel Leguizamon, prop Juan Figallo and outstanding fullback Lucas Gonzalez Amorosino crossed for the Pumas in the first half, with replacements Juan Jose Imhoff and Genaro Fessia adding two more tries after the break.
Romania, who lost to Scotland in their opening match, scored a try through winger Ionel Cazan in the first half, but for all their brave defending when reduced to 14 men at the start of the second half, they were simply overwhelmed by the Pumas.
The result sets up a showdown between Argentina and Scotland in Wellington next Sunday. The winners are likely to finish runners-up behind England and advance to a quarter-final meeting with the top team in pool A, expected to be New Zealand.
Scorers
Argentina: Tries: Santiago Fernandez, Juan Manuel Leguizamon, Juan Figallo, Lucas Gonzalez Amorosino, Juan Jose Imhoff, Genaro Fessia. Penalty: Martin Rodriguez: Conversions: Rodriguez (5).
Romania: Try: Ionel Cazan. Penalty: Ionut Dimofte.
Referee: Steve Walsh (Australia).
