Argentina 34-38 England match report

Argentina 34-38 England match report

 Rugby league convert Denny Solomona made a dramatic entrance into international rugby union with a last-minute try as England snatched a 38-34 victory over Argentina.

The former Super League record-breaking winger was introduced for his debut 10 minutes into the second half with England leading 23-17 but it looked like going horribly wrong as he watched in agony as the Pumas immediately ran in two quick-fire tries to lead 31-23.


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The brilliance of George Ford helped his side draw level only for replacement fly-half Juan Martin Hernandez to restore Argentina’s lead with a drop goal three minutes from the end.

However, there was still time for one last, dramatic twist as Joe Launchbury and Piers Francis combined to get Solomona into space and he produced a trademark decisive finish with his first touch of the ball.

Tweet of the match

Star man – George Ford

The England stand-off kicked four penalties, three conversions and exchanged passes with Francis before powering upfield to score a try. The 24-year-old pulled the strings for the Red Rose and played attacking rugby on the front foot.

Moment of the match

Solomona’s late solo try on his England debut sealed victory for Eddie Jones’ men after a high-octane and dramatic match. The rugby league convert was forgiven for missing three early tackles as he raced away to touch down after coming on from the bench to announce his arrival in the Test arena.

Youthful verve

England were their own worst enemy in the first half after error upon error meant they were unable to get any momentum and Argentina took the lead through Emiliano Boffelli’s try. Fly-half Ford set up Marland Yarde for his try ahead of a chaotic period of play which saw incredible switches of possession and territory before cutting the lead from the penalty tee early in the second half. In a game where the momentum continually shifted, England’s young guns went toe-to-toe with Argentina, with victory sealed in dramatic fashion through 23-year-old Solomona’s first England try.

Player ratings

England: Mike Brown: 5, Marland Yarde: 7, Henry Slade: 7, Alex Lozowski: 8, Jonny May: 6, George Ford: 8, Danny Care: 7, Ellis Genge: 7, Dylan Hartley 6, Harry Williams: 6, Joe Launchbury: 6, Charlie Ewels: 6, Mark Wilson: 8, Tom Curry: 8, Nathan Hughes: 8. Replacements: Matt Mullan: 6, Will Collier: 6, Nick Isiekwe: 5, Don Armand: 5, Jack Maunder: 5, Piers Francis: 7, Denny Solomona: 6.

Who’s up next?

England and Argentina meet again on Saturday
England and Argentina meet again on Saturday (Emmanuel Rodriguez Villegas/AP)

Argentina v England, Saturday June 17