Winger Emiliano Boffelli scored all but three of his team's points as Argentina outplayed Samoa to grab their first win at Rugby World Cup 2023 and leave Pool D finely balanced. 

In a rain-sodden first half, Los Pumas gradually asserted an authority they never relinquished. Samoa did produce a number of trademark hits in defence but with fly-half Christian Leali'ifano missing two kickable penalties in the first 40 minutes, Argentina were able to convert their superiority in territory and possession into a comfortable 13-3 half-time lead. 

After finishing off a fine first-half team move, Boffelli kicked his third penalty of the night in the 54th minute. At that stage, with the skies having cleared and their banks of blue and white supporters in fine voice, it looked like Argentina might pull away. But some spirited Samoan defence, combined with a number of handling errors kept the Pacific Islanders in the game. 

A late try from substitute hooker Sama Malolo brought his side to within six points and within touching distance of a valuable losing bonus point. But up stepped veteran Nicolas Sanchez to land a long-range final penalty to deny Samoa.