Rugby World Cup 2019 – Argentina vs Tonga: Where to watch Pool C fixture, kick-off time, team news and odds

Argentina vs Tonga kicks off at 5.45am (BST) on Saturday 28 September

Argentina and Tonga go head to head this Saturday in search of their first win at the Rugby World Cup.

The Pumas were pipped to victory by France in their opening clash while Tonga were beaten by England in Sapporo.

Argentina head coach Mario Ledesma has sent out a firm message to his squad by dropping a number of high-profile names.

Fly-half Nicolas Sanchez and hooker Agustin Creevy have both missed out, with Ledesma looking re-build squad dynamic rather than pandering to the wounded pride of his senior players.

Meanwhile, Tonga coach Toutai Kefu must cope without his most influential player. Fly-half Kurt Morath might need throat surgery after trying to tackle England's imposing Manu Tuilagi, while centre Nafi Tuitavake is also sidelined after breaking his arm in that game.

When is it?

Argentina vs Tonga takes place on Saturday 28 September at the Hanazono Rugby Stadium.

What time does it start?

The match kicks off at 1.45pm Japan Standard Time, which is 5.45am BST.

Where can I watch it?

The match will be shown live on ITV. Coverage starts at 5.15am.

Alternatively, you can live stream the game via the ITV Hub on your smartphone, desktop or tablet.

Teams

Argentina: Emiliano Boffelli; Matías Moroni, Matias Orlando, Jeronimo de la Fuente, Santiago Carreras; Benjamin Urdapilleta, Tomas Cubelli; Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro, Julian Montoya, Juan Figallo, Guido Petti, Tomas Lavanini, Pablo Matera (capt), Marcos Kremer, Tomas Lezana.

Replacements: 16 Agustín Creevy, 17 Mayco Vivas, 18 Santiago Medrano, 19 Matias Alemanno, 20 Javier Ortega Desio, 21 Felipe Ezcurra, 22 Nicolás Sanchez, 23 Bautista Delguy.

Argentina will be looking to bounce back after their defeat by France (AFP/Getty Images)

Tonga: Telusa Veainu; Viliami Lolohea, Malietoa Hingano, Siale Piutau (capt), David Halaifonua; James Faiva, Sonatane Takulua; Siegfried Fisi’ihoi, Paul Ngauamo, Ben Tameifuna, Sam Lousi, Halaleva Fifita, Sione Kalamafoni, Zane Kapeli, Maama Vaipulu.

Replacements: 16 Sosefo Sakalia, 17 Vunipola Fifita, 18 Ma’afu Fia, 19 Sitiveni Mafi, 20 Nasi Manu, 21 Leon Fukofuka, 22 Latiume Fosita, 23 Cooper Vuna.

Prediction

Tonga will be no pushover but with one of the team’s best players sidelined, they’re likely to struggle against an Argentina side eager to redeem themselves after coming agonisingly close to victory in their opener with France. A hard-fought win for the Pumas is on the cards here.