England Clinch Argentina Series with Last-Gasp Try from Van Poortvliet
In a thrilling encounter that kept fans on the edge of their seats, England secured a dramatic 2-0 series victory against Argentina, thanks to a last-gasp try from scrum-half Jack van Poortvliet. The decisive moment came in the dying seconds of the second Test, with the scores level, showcasing England’s resilience and determination on Argentinian soil.
The victory is a significant achievement for head coach Steve Borthwick, especially considering the team was without 14 British and Irish Lions players. This series win, mirroring England’s successes in Argentina in 2017 and 2013, speaks volumes about the depth and fighting spirit within the squad. It’s a testament to their ability to perform under pressure and adapt to challenging circumstances.
The match itself was a pulsating affair. England’s inside centre, Seb Atkinson, who has been a standout performer, opened the scoring with his first try for England. Freddie Steward, continuing his impressive form, added a second try, marking his second consecutive game with a score. The first half was a captivating display of end-to-end rugby, with both teams showcasing their attacking prowess.
Argentina, however, responded strongly after an early sin-binning for England’s Ben Curry. Tries from Lucio Cinti and Ignacio Mendy, coupled with a penalty from Santiago Carreras, gave the Pumas a narrow lead at halftime. Their performance in the second Test was a marked improvement from the previous week, demonstrating their ability to compete at the highest level.
After the break, George Ford, a veteran of the English game, leveled the scores with a penalty. The second half evolved into a tense battle of attrition, with both sides probing for weaknesses. Despite rare threats to the English line, the home side’s defense remained resolute for long periods.
The pivotal moment arrived when replacement Guy Pepper made a crucial break, skillfully offloading to Van Poortvliet, who sealed the victory with a try in the corner. Although Ford missed the conversion, England’s gritty defense and astute game management in the closing moments ensured they held on for a famous series win.
This victory marks England’s sixth consecutive win, a remarkable run that began during the Six Nations championship. It highlights the positive trajectory of the team under Borthwick’s leadership.
England Adapt to Disruptions, Show Fighting Spirit
England’s preparations for the second Test were notably impacted by the late call-up of co-captain Jamie George to the British and Irish Lions squad. George’s departure meant opportunities for Saracens teammate Theo Dan, who earned a Test start, and Curtis Langdon, who secured a place on the bench. Despite these significant changes, the team demonstrated remarkable composure and cohesion.
Fly-half George Ford, stepping into a key playmaking role in the absence of Finn Smith and Marcus Smith (both with the Lions), delivered a controlled and influential performance. His strategic kicking and astute play were instrumental in setting up Atkinson’s opening try. The move involved a perfectly executed cross-field kick by Ford, a testament to his vision and skill.
The Pumas’ response came through Simon Benitez Cruz, who exploited a gap before passing to Cinti for their first try. Steward’s try, a brilliant individual effort, was unfortunately followed by an Argentinian score when a chip kick from Carreras fortuitously bounced off the post for Mendy to gather and score. Argentina’s captain, Pablo Matera, became their most-capped player during this match, a personal milestone amidst a tough series.
Player and Coach Reactions
Reflecting on the hard-fought victory, England fly-half George Ford commented, “We found a way in the end. We had a lot of opportunities in the 22 but couldn’t get over the line. I’m proud of the boys. I like our fight, our togetherness, showing how much we care. There was some great stuff, we should have scored more tries but the attitude of the group is great.” His words underscore the team’s resilience and the strong bond within the squad.
Team Lineups
Argentina: Elizalde; Moroni, Cinti, Piccardo, Mendy; S Carreras, Cruz; Gallo, Montoya (capt), Kodela, Petti, Rubiolo, S Grondona, Gonzalez, Matera
Replacements: Bernasconi, Vivas, Delgado, Paulos, Isa, B Grondona, Moyano, Roger
Sin-bin: Matera (58)
England: Steward; Roebuck, Northmore, Atkinson, Muir; Ford (capt), Spencer; Baxter, Dan, Heyes, Ewels, Coles, B Curry, Underhill, T Willis
Replacements: Langdon, Rodd, Opoku-Fordjour, Cunningham-South, Pepper, Dombrandt, Van Poortvliet, Murley
Sin-bin: Curry (21)
Referee: Luc Ramos (Fra)