Argentina vs Tonga preview: What time does it start, what channel is it on and where can I watch it?

A look ahead to the Pool C fixture at Leicester City Stadium

Argentina prop Marcos Ayerza (Getty Images)

Rugby returns to Leicester as Argentina face Tonga for the very first time.

It’s a big game for…

Marcos Ayerza: The powerful Tiger often dominates at scrum time and he returns to Leicester to play for the first time since his testimonial game in the summer. The local support will use him as a conduit for their support but against a big Tongan pack, he will have to fight for his footing.

Teams...

Argentina: Joaquin Tuculet; Santiago Cordero, Matías Moroni, Jerónimo De la Fuente, Juan Imhoff; Nicolas Sanchez, Martin Landajo; Leonardo Senatore, Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe, Pablo Matera; Tomas Lavaninni, Guido Petti; Ramiro Herrera, Agustin Creevy, Marcos Ayerza.

Replacements: Julian Montoya, Lucas Noguera Paz, Juan Pablo Orlandi, Matías Alemanno, Juan Manuel Leguizamon, Tomas Cubelli, Santiago González Iglesias, Horacio Agulla

Tonga: Vungakoto Lilo; Telusa Veainu, Siale Piutau, Sione Piukala, Fetu’u Vainikolo; Kurt Morath, Tane Kaulua; Viliami Ma’afu, Nili Latu, Sione Kalamafoni; Joe Tu’ineau, Tukulua Lokotui; Halani Aulika, Elvis Taione, Soane Tonga’uiha.

Replacements: Aleki Lutui, Alisona Taumalolo, Sila Puafasi, Steve Mafi, Opeti Fonua, Samisoni Fisilau, Latiume Fosita, Tevita Halaifonua.

Best stat…

16. In their last 16 World Cup matches, Tonga have scored at least one try, the third longest run in the tournament’s history.

Remember when…

Tonga last beat a Tier 1 nation? Scotland were the last Tier 1 nation to fall to the Tongans in 2012. Despite losing three players to the sin bin, Tonga managed to match the Scots for power and overpower them in some areas. It led to Andy Robinson resigning his post after a dismal Autumn international series.

Player to watch…

Telusa Veainu: The Tongan winger may only have 6 caps to his name but the former New Zealand Under 20’s star has made the most metres in the competition with 260 after two rounds. He’s also on somewhat of a scoring run, contributing to the Tongan run of tries in the World Cup scoring two in the last fixture.

Past three-meetings…

Argentina and Tonga have never played against each other.

Form guide…

Argentina: LLWLLW

Tonga: LWWWLW

Vital information…

Kick-off: 14.30 Sunday 4th October.

TV: Live on ITV, highlights on ITV