Argentina continued its push for a Rugby World Cup quarter-final berth with a comfortable 50-3 victory over Romania in their pool A clash at Aussie Stadium.

Argentina ran in seven unanswered tries to collect a bonus point and go above Australia to second in the group, though table-topping Ireland and the Wallabies each have a game in hand on the Pumas.

While the final score was lop-sided, the Pumas were anything but impressive against sub-standard opposition.

They offered little in attack - particularly in the first half - other than hopeful kicks downfield as coach Marcelo Loffreda wisely opted to rest many of his stars ahead of Sunday's potentially decisive showdown with Ireland in Adelaide.

The Pumas led 24-0 at the break after tries to outside centre Martin Gaitan - his fourth of the tournament - in the 10th minute, fullback Rodrigo Roncero (28th) and inside centre Manuel Contepomi (38th) and three conversions and a penalty goal to kick-happy five-eighth Juan Fernandez Miranda.

The three-time World Cup quarter-finalists took just 25 seconds of the second half to secure their bonus point, halfback Nicolas Fernandez Miranda posting a charge-down try and his brother converting to extend the lead to 31-0.

The Romanians finally troubled the scoreboard attendant in the 47th minute with a penalty goal to five-eighth Ionut Tofan.

Unfortunately for the European battlers, Argentine No.8 Pablo Bouza grabbed his third and fourth pushover try of the Cup either side of the goal to advance the Pumas to a 43-3 advantage.

Loffreda unleashed first-choice halves Agustin Pichot and Gonzalo Quesada on Romania after an hour, but they barely lifted the Argentines.

Roncero notched his second try of the night in the 65th minute, Quesada converting to bring up the Pumas' half-century, but that was it.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP