Slow-starting Argentina turn up the heat to claim RWC quarter-final win over Wales

Emiliano Boffelli kicked 19 points to help Argentina to a dramatic 29-17 victory over Wales in Marseille on Saturday to set up a World Cup semi-final against the winners of England versus Fiji.

Los Pumas came into the quarter-final at the Stade Velodrome as underdogs, having finished Pool D runners-up to England, while Wales booked their place in the quarters with a perfect four wins from four in Pool C.

But Argentina played the territorial game and, while not shining in attack, proved to be solid in defence, disruptive at the line-out and disciplined enough to contain a fancied Welsh side seeking to make the semi-final for the third time in four tournaments.

Boffelli dragged an early penalty attempt wide after some sustained Argentinian pressure as Wales responded with an expansive game.

Star winger Louis Rees-Zammit was involved in three ensuing Welsh attacks, twice unable to make anything of his chip and chases and once stepping inside into space only for his offload to go forward.

Flanker Tommy Reffell showed all the skills of an outside back to step inside the Argentine defence, but Gareth Davies spilled the pass in a high-intensity opening with both sides electing to play the ball.

For all their possession, however, Los Pumas looked lacklustre when in attack and Welsh pressure paid off after George North split the defence on an inside ball from Dan Biggar.

North, making history as the first Welsh player to compete in four World Cup quarter-finals, found Davies off the floor and the scrumhalf this time made no mistake to pass on to Biggar, the flyhalf crossing for a try under the posts he converted himself.

Referee Jaco Peyper pinged a hamstring and was replaced by Karl Dickson as Biggar stretched Wales' lead with a