Match Previews 
/ Geoffrey Riddle / 01 October 2011 / Leave a Comment 
Argentina look set for the knockout stages
"Now that England have beaten Scotland, Argentina only need a point to progress... "
Argentina are only a point away from the quarter-finals as they face Georgia in a match that Geoffrey Riddle expects to be dominated by defence...
Argentina v Georgia, Sunday 01:00 (ITV1)
Argentina
In all four of their matches in 2011 the Pumas have scored the first points of the match.
They have scored the first points of the second half in all of their three matches at the World Cup, also.
Argentina have missed 20 shots at goal in their four matches this year - the worst strike-rate of all the teams in the tournament
Argentina's lineout fell apart against Scotland. The Pumas lost four of their 12.
Georgia
Georgia have been handicap winners on the main line in all three of their matches during this Rugby World Cup.
Georgia's starting VX have 563 caps between them - the most experienced side the Lelos have fielded at a World Cup.
Match stats
Georgia have named Toulon prop David Zirakashvili in an effort to combat the Pumas' giant front row, although he faces a late fitness test due to a respiratory infection. Record try scorer, Mamuka Gorgodze lines up at flanker but Merab Kvirkashvili, who scored 17 points against Romania on Wednesday is on the bench.
Santiago Phelan has named an under-strength side. He has made five changes to the side that defeated Scotland last weekend.
Preview
Argentina's defence is one of the most watertight in the tournament. Scotland never looked even close to crossing the whitewash when the two teams clashed last weekend and only a sublime piece of inspiration from scrum-half Ben Youngs saw England touch down.
How Romania managed to score a try against the Pumas is anyone's guess and the Oaks are a far more dynamic team going forward than Georgia.
Now that England have beaten Scotland, Argentina only need a point to progress to the knockout stage. Santiago Phelan has named an under-strength Pumas side and although there is a danger the game could open up both teams have proud and effective defences which should hold firm.
Recommended Bet (1-5pt staking plan):
2pts Back under 41.5 total match points
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