Argentina, with their brightly colored uniforms and the skillful way they toss the ball around the pitch, are something like the World Cup's version of a traveling circus.
In their 43-8 win over Romania, Argentina's fast-paced game, laced with finesse, proved too much, too early.
In the first half Argentina scored four tries, most of which came off of long runs in a wide-open field. Any doubts about Argentina's position among the world's best rugby teams seemed unfounded as the Pumas moved the ball with laser-like directness and flash.
At one point, an Argentinian tossed a no-look pass, through his legs, that landed right on the chest of his teammate.
In the second half Romania showed some mettle, though the score was firmly in Argentina's favor. Romania managed to keep Argentina from scoring when the Pumas got inside the 22, with a string of hard stands on the try line.
For all of their skill, Argentina may have shown their opponents that they can be bit one dimensional. The Pumas looked like an entirely different team in the short game then they did when shooting the gaps for longer runs.
It was a good win for Argentina who desperately needed a check in the win column for a chance of advancing to the quarter finals.
Their next match will be against Scotland, who sits 2-0 in pool play for the time being. If Argentina can beat Scotland, they put themselves in great position to advance, as the Scots will have to face England, the odds-on favorite to win Pool B, on October 1st.
