World ranking: 11th
Qualification: 2015 semi-finalists
Best result: Third 2007
TAB odds: $41
Chances: The Pumas have flattered to deceive for years, threatening to burst into the top echelon, but never quite managing that.
At times, their Rugby Championship form has promised more, and they can progress past pool play, if they strike the flaky French on the right day.
Leading players
Ramiro Moyano
Equally comfortable on the wing or fullback, Moyano scored a memorable try against the All Blacks last year in Nelson. He is quick, evasive and a very intelligent player, and will be one to watch in Japan.
Emiliano Boffelli
Bofelli will likely play in the midfield, but can slot in anywhere from No.11-15. He is an excitement machine, and part of a very skillful and dangerous Pumas backline.
Nicolas Sanchez
The general is the key player for the Pumas. His open-field running is underrated, his kicking game is very good and he is lethal from anywhere inside his own half with the boot.
If Sanchez has a good tournament, the Pumas may match their semi-final effort of four years ago.
Pablo Matera
The Pumas skipper and their best player, Matera was arguably the best-on-show during Super Rugby, guiding the Jaguares to their first final.
He is destructive with ball in hand, strong on both sides of the breakdown and a brute of a defender - the complete rugby player.
Tomas Lavanini
While Lavanini can lose his head at times, he is a key part of Argentina's tight five. A very good lineout forward and a decent ball runner, if nothing else, watching Lavanini play will be entertaining.
Squad
Forwards: Nahuel Tetaz Chapparo, Mayco Vivas, Agustin Creevy, Julian Montoya, Santiago Socino, Juan Figallo, Santiago Medrano, Enrique Pieretto, Guido Petti, Tomas Lavanini, Matias Alemanno, Pablo Matera, Tomas Lezana, Javier Ortega Desio, Marcos Kremer, Rodrigo Bruni, Juan Manuel Leguizamon.
Backs: Tomas Cubelli, Felipe Ezcurra, Nicolas Sanchez, Benjamin Urdapilleta, Jeronimo de la Fuente, Matias Orlando, Matias Moroni, Lucan Mensa, Juan Cruz Mallia, Ramiro Moyano, Bautista Delguy, Emiliano Boffelli, Joaquin Tuculet, Santiago Carreras.
Pool draw (NZT)
September 21
France v Argentina, Tokyo, 7:15pm (live updates)
September 28
Argentina v Tonga, Higashiosaka City, 4:45pm
October 5
England v Argentina, Tokyo, 9pm (live updates)
October 9
Argentina v USA, Kumagaya City, 5:45pm
Newshub.
Rugby World Cup 2019 Dictionary
The ninth Rugby World Cup kicks off on September 20 in Japan - the first time it has been hosted in Asia.
Everything you need to know about rugby and the World Cup...
