England and Argentina Face Off in Rugby World Cup Third-Place Play-Off
2 min read
Image: Rugby World Cup 2023 – England vs Argentina
England and Argentina will compete in the third-place play-off match at the Rugby World Cup 2023. This match will determine the final ranking for both teams in the tournament. England, currently ranked eighth in the world, has had a challenging run-up to the World Cup, but they have managed to secure a spot in the third-place play-off. Argentina, on the other hand, has shown impressive performance throughout the tournament, making it to the semi-finals before being defeated by New Zealand.
The match will take place at the Stade de France in Paris on Friday, October 27th, with a kick-off time of 20:00 BST. The game will be broadcasted on BBC Radio 5 Live, with coverage starting at 19:00 BST. Additionally, fans can follow the match updates on the BBC Sport website and app.
England’s team will consist of several players who have retained their positions despite recent controversies, such as Tom Curry, who was sent off in the third minute of the pool game against Argentina in September. Marcus Smith returns to full-back after missing the semi-final defeat by South Africa, and Henry Arundell is recalled on the wing. Ben Youngs, a scrum-half, will make his first start of the tournament, marking his final appearance in the international game before retiring.
Argentina has made three changes to their team, with Pedro Rubiolo starting in the second-row, Tomas Cubelli named as scrum-half, and Jeronimo de la Fuente beginning the game at inside centre. Head coach Michael Cheika has kept faith with 19 of the matchday squad that faced England in the opening game.
Both teams have expressed their determination to perform well in the match. England’s attack coach, Richard Wigglesworth, acknowledges the progress made by the team and is proud of the players. He emphasizes the importance of making the most of the opportunity to participate in the World Cup and aims for a tangible reward. Argentina’s head coach, Michael Cheika, highlights the significance of winning the bronze medal, stating that it is very important for the team, the country, and the legacy of the experienced players.
The bronze-medal match holds great importance for both teams, as it represents a chance to secure a respectable position in the tournament. For England, it is an opportunity to counter the criticism they have faced and to leave the World Cup with a sense of accomplishment. Argentina views the match as their World Cup final, with a bronze medal being a significant achievement.
In conclusion, the third-place play-off match between England and Argentina at the Rugby World Cup 2023 is a crucial game for both teams. It will determine their final ranking in the tournament and serve as a testament to their performance throughout the competition. Fans can tune in to BBC Radio 5 Live for live coverage of the match, with the game taking place at the Stade de France in Paris on October 27th.
