England rugby secured a dramatic five-try victory over Argentina, despite being reduced to 13 men in a controversial second half. The win, powered by a standout performance from Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, denied the Pumas a notable double and gave England’s weary squad a satisfying end to their long season.
Key Moments in England’s Win Over Argentina
The match saw England build a 19-3 halftime lead, with Ben Earl scoring two first-half tries. However, discipline unraveled in the second half, as four England players were sent to the sin-bin, leaving them with 13 and briefly 12 men. Marcus Smith and Feyi-Waboso scored crucial tries in the final quarter to keep the Pumas at bay.
Yellow Card Epidemic Continues
England’s tally of yellow cards reached 14 in their last 10 Tests, with Jack van Poortvliet, Alex Coles, Henry Pollock, and debutant Manny Iyogun all banished. Argentina also had three players sin-binned, but the visitors’ defensive grit held firm under pressure.
Last-Gasp Tackle Saves the Day
With 30 seconds left, a 79th-minute try from Justo Piccardo gave Argentina a chance to draw. But a brilliant corner-flagging tackle from Henry Slade on Bautista Delguy preserved England’s victory, sparking debate over the match’s officiating.
Comparison: England vs Argentina Match Stats
| Stat | England | Argentina |
|---|---|---|
| Tries | 5 | 3 |
| Yellow Cards | 4 | 3 |
| Possession (%) | 48 | 52 |
| Penalties Conceded | 12 | 10 |
Key Takeaways from the Match
- England’s discipline remains a major concern, with 14 yellow cards in their last 10 Tests.
- Immanuel Feyi-Waboso emerged as a standout performer, scoring a crucial try.
- Argentina’s late rally showed resilience but fell short due to England’s desperate defense.
- Steve Borthwick’s squad now heads to the beach after a grueling 26,000-mile tour.
FAQ
Why did England have only 13 men on the field?
Four England players were sent to the sin-bin during the second half, reducing the team to 13 and briefly 12 men due to yellow cards for foul play.
Who scored the winning tries for England?
Ben Earl scored two first-half tries, while Marcus Smith and Immanuel Feyi-Waboso added crucial scores in the final quarter to secure the win.
What was controversial about the match?
The high number of yellow cards, including four for England, and the late tackle by Henry Slade on Bautista Delguy sparked debate over officiating decisions.
England’s victory over Argentina capped a challenging tour that included a defeat in Johannesburg and a 70-point win against Fiji. The squad now looks to address discipline issues ahead of future internationals.