England rugby held off a furious Argentina comeback with just 13 men on the field in a controversial finale that saw four yellow cards. The visitors secured a five-try win in Buenos Aires, denying the Pumas a notable double over their English opponents. It was a test of nerve and discipline as the match descended into chaos in the second half.
England's Gritty Performance Under Pressure
Despite being reduced to 12 men at one point, England showed remarkable resilience. Wing Immanuel Feyi-Waboso was instrumental, scoring a crucial try in the final quarter. Ben Earl added a brace in the first half, while Marcus Smith also crossed the line when it mattered most. The defensive effort from Ollie Chessum, Ellis Genge, and Joe Heyes was vital in the closing stages.
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Argentina's Late Surge Falls Short
The Pumas made a slow start, trailing 19-3 at halftime. They roared back in the second half, with Justo Piccardo scoring a 79th-minute try to set up a tense finish. However, a brilliant last-gasp tackle from Henry Slade on Bautista Delguy saved the day for England, preventing an improbable draw.
Discipline Concerns for England
England's discipline remains a worry, with Jack van Poortvliet, Alex Coles, Henry Pollock, and debutant Manny Iyogun all sent to the sin-bin. This takes England's tally to 14 yellow cards in their last 10 Tests. The team will need to address this issue ahead of future fixtures.
Match Statistics Comparison
| Statistic | England | Argentina |
|---|---|---|
| Tries | 5 | 3 |
| Yellow Cards | 4 | 3 |
| Possession (%) | 48 | 52 |
| Penalties Conceded | 12 | 10 |
Key Takeaways from the Match
- England's depth was tested with multiple players sin-binned, yet they held on for victory.
- Argentina's second-half fightback shows they are a formidable side at home.
- Discipline remains a critical issue for England heading into future tournaments.
- The 26,000-mile tour has been an education for Steve Borthwick's squad.
FAQ
How many yellow cards did England receive?
England received four yellow cards in the match against Argentina, with Jack van Poortvliet, Alex Coles, Henry Pollock, and Manny Iyogun all sin-binned.
Who scored the winning try for England?
Marcus Smith scored a crucial try in the final quarter, along with Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, to secure England's victory over Argentina.
What was the final score of the match?
England won the match 31-24, with a five-try performance that denied Argentina a comeback in the closing minutes.
England's players can now head to the beach with satisfaction after a grueling tour across three continents. The win eases pressure on head coach Steve Borthwick, though discipline concerns linger. Argentina will rue their slow start but showed they can compete with top-tier teams.