England overcome Pumas in dramatic encounter
England secured a victory over Argentina in a chaotic Nations Championship match in Santiago del Estero. The game concluded with a controversial decision by the television match official (TMO) that disallowed a last-gasp try for the home side. Despite leading 31-24 with England reduced to 13 players, Argentina wing Bautista Delguy scored in the corner on the final play. Referee Angus Gardner initially awarded the try, but TMO Brett Cronan intervened, ruling that Delguy was in touch. Although Gardner suggested there was no clear evidence to overturn his on-field call, the try was ultimately disallowed.
The decisive moment came from Henry Slade’s covering tackle on Delguy, which led to Gardner being surrounded by frustrated Argentina players at full-time. This late officiating decision in England’s favour followed just three days after England’s football team experienced a defeat by Argentina in a World Cup semi-final.
The match saw a total of seven yellow cards, with England receiving four in the second half, leaving them with 13 players on two occasions. Steve Borthwick’s side appeared set for consecutive Nations Championship wins after Tommy Freeman’s try and two scores from Ben Earl gave them a 16-point lead at half-time.
Discipline and key moments
The Pumas, who wore replica 1986 World Cup football kits, scored next before capitalising on two England yellow cards. However, their own disciplinary issues prevented them from further punishing the visitors. Marcus Smith’s try occurred while Argentina’s number eight Joaquin Oviedo was in the sin-bin, and Santiago Carreras later joined him for 10 minutes.
An individual try from Immanuel Feyi-Waboso temporarily quieted the home crowd. However, England replacements Henry Pollock and Emmanuel Iyogun were subsequently sent to the sin-bin, leading to a tense finish. Justo Piccardo’s late try and Argentina’s subsequent break put the 13-man England under pressure, but a combined effort from Noah Caluori and Slade was enough to deny Delguy in the final play.
This summer’s fixtures were crucial for Borthwick’s future, especially after England’s performance in this year’s Six Nations, which was their worst since the tournament’s expansion in 2000. Discipline was a key area the Rugby Football Union wanted to see improvement in, with England having accumulated 14 yellow cards and one red card in their last eight matches.
The Pumas‘ decision to wear a striped jersey reminiscent of the kit worn by Argentina’s football team in their 1986 World Cup victory added an extra layer of intensity to the match. This tactic did not disrupt England early on, as Fin Smith’s cross-field kick led to Freeman’s try. However, Ollie Chessum was penalised for instigating a scuffle from the restart.
England combined strong scramble defence with the attacking prowess of Feyi-Waboso, who consistently broke through the defence. Another powerful run by the Exeter Chiefs winger set up Earl’s try before Mateo Carreras received a yellow card for a high tackle on Freeman.
Post-match reactions and implications
The balance of power further shifted when England’s dominant attacking scrum dismantled Argentina’s, allowing Earl to score. The Saracens forward is known for his competitive nature, and calls for Pollock to start have been noted.
England were not without flaws, but they displayed many of the qualities they aim to be known for. The prominence of Ellis Genge and Joe Heyes, both with and without the ball, was a positive indicator. The appearance of local dancers at half-time seemed to revitalise the atmosphere in the stadium, and the Pumas responded by scoring within four minutes of the restart after strong mauling and a finish from the returned Carreras.
England faced further challenges when they temporarily lost both their half-backs. Fin Smith was forced off for a head injury assessment, and then Jack van Poortvliet was sent to the sin-bin for a deliberate knock-on. With England down to 14 players, Argentina pressed their advantage, and Alex Coles conceded both a yellow card and a penalty try for an illegal infringement at a ruck.
The return of Van Poortvliet brought relief, as he delivered a long ball that allowed Marcus Smith to score in the corner at the beginning of the final quarter. Fin Smith converted, and England, at 26-17, extended their lead with a try from Feyi-Waboso. Despite the drama involving cards, Slade’s tackle and Angus Gardner’s eventual decision to overrule his initial on-field view were crucial.
This outcome moves England up to third in the tournament standings and provides some relief for the team. Away wins at the international level are always significant, and this one, despite a second-half wobble and a late injury to Benhard van Rensburg, is no exception. Argentina’s head coach, Felipe Contepomi, reportedly cut short his post-match press conference, citing the volume of celebratory music and singing from England’s dressing-room as a “lack of respect.”
Borthwick dismissed critics as “negative” and expressed satisfaction with his team’s efforts, stating, “I’m delighted for the players, they showed incredible spirit.” He also highlighted Henry Slade’s effort as “incredible” and praised the togetherness and connection of the players as “exceptional.”
England’s wins over Fiji and Argentina have positioned them well for November’s Nations Championship games.
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Source: bbc.co.uk
Harry Loxley is a Senior Football Correspondent at NewsGB.org. He spent his early career reporting East Midlands football. He focuses on the Premier League, the EFL and the England national side and is known for clear, deadline-driven reporting. He holds a degree in Sports Journalism from the University of Derby and completed an NCTJ diploma. Now based in Derby, he watches non-league and runs a fan podcast. “Good football writing follows the people, not just the points.”