England clung on for a chaotic 31-24 victory over Argentina with the Pumas denied a potentially tying try in the final minute of the Nations Championship clash.
Bautista Delguy looked to have set up a shot at a draw in Santiago del Estero when he squeezed past Henry Slade into the corner, only for a protracted review to find that Delguy had not quite managed to ground. The review had seen disagreement between referee Angus Gardner and TMO Brett Cronan, with the latter eventually ruling no try as England held on.
It had been a wild and weird encounter in Santiago del Estero, with England seemingly in control at the interval after an impressive first half but losing their way in a flurry of cards that punctuated the second 40 minutes. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso was a standout throughout, and his try eventually proved crucial as Steve Borthwick’s side made it back-to-back wins.
Follow all of the latest from the Nations Championship clash with our live blog below:
Cards, chaos and controversy: How England just about clung on for Argentina victory
England spared the nation more heartbreak at the hands of Argentina after surviving a nerve-jangling period of overtime to triumph 31-24, with Immanuel Feyi-Waboso’s stunning finish proving decisive.
England cling on for victory
That’s 15 yellows and one red for England in their last eight matches. Plenty to fix for Steve Borthwick, still, before the Nations Championship resumes in November. Just nine properly competitive games to the World Cup, now – it’s coming up quickly.
Immanuel Feyi-Waboso speaks to ITV
“It was a tough fought match that went right to the end. Argentina, the passion, the fans, the atmosphere was amazing. Our discipline wasn’t great but we managed to hold on at the end.
“I don’t know how many cards there were in that game, but it is too many. You can’t be finishing games with 13 men.”
FT: Argentina 24-31 England
Get Angus Gardner some strepsils – a busy half for the referee.
FT: Argentina 24-31 England
Blimey. A wild finish to a wild, weird game. Some tackle from Henry Slade and the right decision reached in the end…I think. Argentina won’t be best pleased, though – Felipe Contepomi’s press conference could be lively.
NO TRY!
Brett Cronan wins the argument! The Argentina crowd are furious – and referee Angus Gardner doesn’t seem at all certain as he deliver his decision.
But simultaneous grounding on the line and touch in-goal means no try! England cling on! Argentina players are absolutely indignant, roaring in Gardner’s face.
Try? Argentina 24-31 England, 83 minutes
Agonising, this. TMO Brett Cronan doesn’t have the angles he wants. Referee Angus Gardner bats away suggestions from Pablo Matera that Caluori’s initial challenge is high.
Gardner’s on-field decision is try. Cronan doesn’t think he’s got it down. There’s disagreement. This is carnage.
Try? Argentina 24-31 England, 83 minutes
Caluori hasn’t, but maybe Henry Slade has on the follow-up? It’s mighty, mighty tight.
