Invercargill is sunny and resplendent, and there is a packed crowd to see a game between two promising but still relatively minor nations. Full credit to the New Zealand crowds - we promised the IRB a grandstand of 4 million and by golly we are delivering well into this tournament.
Argentina are ranked 9th in the world vs Romania who are 17th.
The Los Pumas will have been kicking themselves for failing to take the English team's scalp last week. They have become more and more formidable over the last decade, with their prowess stemming from their menacing forward pack and renowned skill at executing the 10-man game. Peculiar that their goal kickers Contemponi and Rodriguez should misfire so spectacularly underneath the only roof at the RWC.
The Romanian Oaks did well to stay within 10 points of a disappointing Scotland side 7 days ago, and they will be hoping they can go one better today and upset their latin foe.
The Argies failed to score a try in Dunedin, but any fears that we are in for a dour fest today are quickly wiped away by a nifty opening try by Puma Santiago Fernandez after just 4 minutes. Also prompting a feeling of bonhomie is the Romanin strip which makes them look like 15 very athletic court jesters.
The Los Pumas are irrepressible, and continue to notch up 5 pointers with gay abandon, gaining their bonus point 4th try by the 29th minute. A white (and blue) wash is beckoning with the score 26-3 after 30 minutes (the Romanian points coming from the boot of Tiberius Dimofte).
But the Romanians discover their inner Oak and fight back to score a majestic sweeping try down their left wing to Ionel Cazan. It is the best try of the match thus far and the crowd are getting their money's worth and then some!
The Argentinians nearly score the try of the tournament on the 39 minute mark following a delightful 50 metre break chip 'n' chase from fullback Amorosino. Sadly the final pass is grassed, the teams head to the break 26-8.
And Megan and I head to the cake tin! The thing about this tournament is that the games are so tightly packed that if you go to game as we are about to (South Africa v Fiji) then it means you must miss something. I tell you what - I'll eat my hat if Romania go on to win this one.
Back from the energetic Springbok vs Fiji match now, to discover the second half of this game was all Pumas. They had to grind out the first 20 minutes of the second half before scoring a try, but kept the pressure on the Oaks for the full 80 minutes to win by a comprehensive 43-8.
The gifted Argentinean full back Amorosino scorer of one try and creator of much magic deservedly took the man of the match award. He certainly reminded me of Christian Cullen, with such great handling skill and intense acceleration. The Pumas could certainly go through from the Pool B "Group of Death" if they can beat a so-far lacklustre Scotland - they must have a better than even shot at that.
The Oaks earn a pass mark for grit, and the try was a bonus, but they have a long way to come to be competitive at this level.
Final score 43 Argentina - 8 Romania
14 games 76 tries.
Tweet of the match- "the argentine fullback is one of the best performers at the world cup" @Freedzmaster11
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