Argentina have picked up their first victory of the World Cup with an emphatic 43–8 win over Romania in a bright but blustery Invercargill.

Pumas kicker Martin Rodriguez missed his first opportunity for points when a penalty effort drifted wide of the posts.

Fly-half Santiago Fernandez broke the Romanian line for a try to pick up the first points of the game shortly after, and it was duly converted by Rodriguez.

Flanker Juan Manuel Leguizamon crashed over the line minutes later for another converted try to extend the Pumas’ early lead to 14 points.

Romania got on the score sheet 14 minutes in thanks to the boot of fly-half Ionut Dimofte, but Argentina responded with an unconverted try from prop Juan Figallo after once again testing the shaky Romanian defence.

Fullback Lucas Gonzalez Amorosino picked up Argentina’s fourth try, and with it a bonus point, 30 minutes in before Romania winger Ionel Cazan went over in the left corner for an unconverted try to make the scores 26-8 going into the break.

The Pumas got the second half underway with a Rodriguez penalty, before Romania prop Mihaita Lazar received a trip to the sin bin ten minutes later for interference at the ruck.

Argentina capitalised on the one-man advantage with a converted try from replacement Juan Jose Imhoff, and Wasps’ Genaro Fessia picked up the Pumas’ second try of the half to make the final score 43-8.

Argentina go on to face Scotland on Sunday, September 25, while Romania take on England on Saturday, September 24.