Argentina 35-21 Wales: Pumas hold firm to keep the Welsh at bay

By Tom Riley

Argentina ………. 35pts

Tries: Oviedo 6, 48; Piccardo 15, Kremer 35, Carreras 39

Conversions: Albornoz 7, 16, 36, 40, 49

Wales ……………….21pts

Tries: Lake 4, Carre 24, Warren 67

Conversions: Costelow 5, 24, 68

Argentina flexed their attacking muscles with this comfortable five-try victory over Wales.

The result rounded off a landmark day for Harlequins second row Guido Petti who won his 100th international cap for the Pumas.

Despite flashes of promise and three well-worked tries, Wales were ultimately second best against a clinical Argentina side.

The hosts’ greater physicality, accuracy and ruthless finishing proved decisive as they bounced back in style from last week’s disappointing loss to Scotland.

Match action

Wales made the ideal start when captain Dewi Lake crashed over from a driving maul inside four minutes after Sam Costelow had kicked to the corner from an early penalty.

Costelow added the extras to give the visitors a dream 7-0 lead, but the advantage lasted barely two minutes.

The Pumas found their rhythm in attack, stretching the Welsh defence before No. 8 Joaquin Oviedo burst onto a perfectly timed line to power over.

Tomas Albornoz converted to level matters as Argentina began to dominate possession and territory.

The home side’s confidence continued to grow and they moved ahead after an outstanding aerial take from Bautista Delguy created the opening.

The wing outjumped Costelow before Argentina worked the ball through the hands for centre Justo Piccardo to dive over in the corner, Albornoz again converting for a 14-7 advantage.

Wales refused to buckle and thought they had levelled when Jac Morgan crossed after a sustained spell of pressure, only for the try to be ruled out following a lengthy TMO review because the flanker had been illegally detached from the ruck.

Reward: Ben Warren scores for Wales

PICTURE: Getty Images

Cracks begin to appear

The disappointment proved only temporary.

Opting for a quick tap from close range, Wales relied on the familiar power of Rhys Carre, who bulldozed over from close range for his fifth try in six Tests.

Costelow’s conversion brought the scores level at 14-14 midway through the first half.

For long periods Wales defended bravely against relentless Argentine pressure, but cracks began to appear as the hosts increased the tempo.

Their powerful driving game earned repeated entries into the Welsh 22 before flanker Marcos Kremer crashed over from close range after another dominant maul.

Argentina struck a decisive blow on the stroke of half-time.

Sustained pressure created space out wide and full-back Santiago Carreras exploited the overlap to score, with Albornoz maintaining his flawless record from the tee to give the Pumas a 28-14 interval lead.

Second half

The hosts carried that momentum into the second period. Wales struggled to retain possession and were repeatedly punished for missed tackles, allowing Oviedo to grab his second try after another incisive break through midfield.

Albornoz’s fifth successful conversion stretched the lead to 35-14 and effectively settled the contest.

Steve Tandy’s side continued to battle and finally found reward after 67 minutes. Following 18 patient phases inside the Argentine 22, replacement prop

Ben Warren forced his way over for his first Test try. Costelow converted to reduce the deficit to 14 points and give Wales renewed belief.

Wales continued to press, introducing debutant Kane James and Louis Rees-Zammit in search of a dramatic finish, but Argentina’s defence held firm.