Argentina and Ireland closed in on places in the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals yesterday with contrasting wins over Scotland and Russia respectively, while Samoa maintained their slim chances with a win over old rivals Fiji.
Argentina were seven minutes away from elimination after a grinding battle in the rain against Scotland in Wellington.
The game breaker was replacement winger Lucas Gonzalez Amorosino who produced a piece of magic to scythe through the Scottish defence for the game's only try, which captain Felipe Contepomi nervelessly converted for a 13-12 victory.
The two sides share second place in their group behind England, but Argentina are certainties to beat Georgia in their final pool match, while Scotland have to at least beat England to make the quarter-finals.
For Samoa to reach the last eight, they almost certainly have to beat South Africa this week.
Ireland backed up their upset win over Australia last week with a 62-12 thrashing of Russia who at least managed two score two tries in Rotorua.
