Argentina search for form to end Wales’ rapid rise out of doldrums

PARIS : Wales have risen remarkably rapidly out of a slump and now sit on the cusp of an unlikely place in the Rugby World Cup semi-finals but first must get past a dangerous Argentina side, searching for form at the tournament in France.

The two teams meet in Marseille - kicking off a potentially absorbing weekend of World Cup knockout action - with both harbouring legitimate hopes of a place in the semis.

Wales have turned around their fortunes after a poor Six Nations campaign earlier this year - plus plenty of off-field drama over players' contracts - to finish top of their World Cup group, convincingly beating Australia 40-6 after holding out for a dramatic win over Fiji in their opening Pool C encounter.

Whether Wales' tournament would have taken a different turn had Fiji not dropped the ball, when they looked sure to secure a last gasp victory in their meeting, remains a matter of conjecture.

But coach Warren Gatland is pleased with how his unbeaten side have built momentum over the last six weeks and topped their group.

"We haven't had the perfect performance yet, but we have shown that we are a hard team to beat," he said on Thursday.

"There is a lot more growth in this squad – collectively and individually – and we cannot wait to get out there in Marseille on Saturday."

SCRAPPED THROUGH

Argentina will feel they, too, are capable of much more having scraped their way through to the last eight.

They are two-time semi-finalists – one less than Wales – but four years ago failed to advance past the group phase.

That also looked to be a possibility this time round after losing to England in their opening Pool D match before overcoming Japan in a see-saw winner-takes-all clash last weekend.

"It's about understanding the body of