Argentina reveal team to face Wales after key man ruled out of tournament
Argentina flanker Pablo Matera has been ruled out of the remainder of the Rugby World Cup ahead of the Pumas’ quarter-final meeting with Wales.
Matera suffered a hamstring injury during the first half of his side’s win over Japan in Nantes last Sunday, and has been replaced in Michael Cheika’s 33-man squad by lock Lucas Paulos.
In Matera’s absence, number eight Facundo Isa is brought into Cheika’s starting side to face Wales in Marseille, with Juan Martin Gonzalez deployed at flanker.
Guido Petti, who moved into the back row after Matera’s injury last weekend, retains his second row place.
Elsewhere, there is a surprise start for Tomas Cubelli at scrum half.
Read the full Argentina team news ahead of their clash with Wales below:
Argentina reveal team to face Wales after key man ruled out of tournament
Pablo Matera has been replaced in Michael Cheika’s squad after injuring his hamstring against Japan
South Africa spring half-back surprise for crunch France quarter-final
South Africa have opted for a new-look half-back pairing to take on France in their blockbuster Rugby World Cup quarter-final.
In a minor surprise, Cobus Reinach starts ahead of Faf de Klerk at scrum half with Manie Libbok keeping hold of the No 10 jersey, despite an expectation that the experience and superior goal-kicking of Handre Pollard might be preferred. De Klerk and Pollard are both on the bench in a more conventional 5-3 split of forwards to back, eschewing the controversial 7-1 split from earlier in the tournament.
While Libbok is the more explosive fly half in open play and his creativity makes the Springbok attack click, questions about his kicking were raised ahead of the World Cup. He has failed to quash those at the tournament, with missed kicks costing them during the defeat to Ireland in particular.
Read the full Springbok team news for their clash with France below:
South Africa spring half-back surprise for crunch France quarter-final
The Springboks have handed Manie Libbok and Cobus Reinach starts with Faf de Klerk and Handre Pollard on the bench
Marcus Smith set for shock role in England’s World Cup quarter-final
England are expected to take the bold step of naming Marcus Smith at full-back for Sunday’s World Cup quarter-final against Fiji in Marseille.
Smith is on course to make his second start in the position as head coach Steve Borthwick looks to inject pace and creativity into his back line at the expense of Freddie Steward.
A converted fly-half, Smith excelled in the group game against Chile when handed the number 15 jersey and has also starred during a number of cameos.
Read more below ahead of Steve Borthwick’s official announcement:
Marcus Smith set for shock role in England’s World Cup quarter-final
Owen Farrell is expected to start at fly-half ahead of George Ford
Referees assigned for Rugby World Cup quarter-finals – including England’s record-breaking official
England’s Wayne Barnes will referee a record fourth Rugby World Cup quarter-final after the match official appointments for the last eight fixtures were confirmed.
Barnes, the most capped international referee in history, will take charge of Ireland vs New Zealand at the Stade de France on Saturday, taking him clear of Nigel Owens, Jim Fleming and Derek Bevan.
Jaco Peyper, of South Africa, will make a second quarter-final appearance having been appointed to oversee the first last-eight tie between Wales and Argentina in Marseille.
France’s Mathieu Raynal and New Zealand’s Ben O’Keeffe, meanwhile, will take charge of their first World Cup quarter-finals.
Referees assigned for RWC quarters – including England’s record-breaking official
France’s Mathieu Raynal will oversee England’s last-eight match against Fiji
Rugby World Cup news live
Good morning and welcome to The Independent’s coverage of the Rugby World Cup. The action continues this weekend with all four quarter-final fixtures.
Wales kick off proceedings when they take on Argentina on Saturday afternoon before a blockbuster clash between Ireland and New Zealand in the evening.
On Sunday, England are back in action looking to avenge their defeat to Fiji earlier this year by knocking the Pacific Islanders out of the tournament before World Cup hosts France attempt to defeat the trophy holders South Africa.
Today, France and England will be announcing their starting XVs for their quarter-final and we’ll have all the latest updates for the tournament throughout the day.
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