This was no friendly. England and Argentina clashed in a test match steeped in historical edge, both politically and in sport. With echoes of Maradona and ‘the Hand of God’ ringing out in the background, it was George Ford’s calm boot and Jack van Poortvliet’s late heroics that sealed it for the Red Rose.
Ford leads from the front
With Owen Farrell away on Lions duty, it was all eyes on George Ford—and boy, did he deliver. A captain’s performance in every sense. Composed, ruthless, and tactically spot-on. Hi
s kicking game kept the visitors marching forward and set the tone from the start.
Argentina fight fire with fire
Despite an early try from Seb Atkinson, the Pumas didn’t lie down. A brilliant effort from Lucio Cinti and a clever finish from Mendy gave the hosts the half-time edge. England fans were made to sweat after a Stewart fumble in the in-goal area gifted Argentina their second try just before the break.
The decider
It was an arm wrestle after that. England dominated territory, but Los Pumas held firm—until the 78th minute. With tired bodies everywhere, Van Poortvliet crashed over from close range to steal it at the death. It wasn’t pretty. But it was enough.
England Scores
- Tries: Seb Atkinson (3’), Freddie Stewart (32’), Jack Van Poortvliet (78’)
- Conversions: George Ford (4’, 33’)
- Penalties: George Ford (52’)
Argentina Scores
- Tries: Lucio Cinti (26’), Ignacio Mendy (39’)
- Conversions: Santiago Carreras (27’, 40’)
- Penalties: Santiago Carreras (8’)
⭐ England Player Ratings vs Argentina
15. Freddie Steward – 7/10
Brilliant in getting involved in rucks, and not hiding at the back. He played brilliantly in support on the wing to give himself no opposition and score England’s second try. Not only a high baller but challenging himself with kicking skill that almost led to a third try. An error in collecting the ball in the in-goal area led to the Pumas leading at half time.
14. Tom Roebuck – 7/10
Brilliant at playing the ball off the ground, but was trying too hard to show flair with interceptions when just getting involved in a tackle would have been just as good. He got more involved in the second half physically and it helped put pressure on the Argentine side.
Brilliant physicality in defence and support in attack to score England their first try. Errors in the visiting home in-goal area cost greatly, but he didn’t dwell on it and made an effort to rectify.
13. Luke Northmore – 4/10
A rather underwhelming performance because I can’t remember a single thing that Northmore did. No runs, no tackles, no impact on the game. No more to be said. Maybe it was first-cap nerves?
12. Seb Atkinson – 9/10
Much improvement in discipline this week, and excellent support lines to get the first points of the game. Brilliant effort at chasing wherever the ball was. His work rate was one of the best on the pitch, and it wouldn’t surprise if we saw more of Seb Atkinson post Lions tour England fixtures.
An excellent performance that can potentially lead to future appearances post lions tour. Great work ethic, and footwork in chasing the ball. Defence was textbook and attack was a dream.
11. Will Muir (off at 61) – 9/10
Great pressure in the air and purposefully getting in the Puma eye-line to force errors. Great at catching the high ball and gaining some yards with his kicking game. A brilliant force in the second half, working very well with George Ford in chasing high balls, and a brilliant kicking game.
Great pressure in the air and getting in the Puma eye-line. Catching was no issue, and his kicking game was spot on. A team up with George ford which worked excellently, especially in the second half.
10. George Ford (Captain) – 9/10
George Ford understands that the Red Rose is more than one man, and even more so about the captaincy. His calm and collected approach led to a great kicking game and massive yardage which benefited England.
9. Ben Spencer (off at 61) – 6.5/10
Changing from a high ball tactic to a low ball tactic did put pressure on the Pumas. Sometimes put the team at risk by not getting involved in scrums when he was the closest man on hand, but great at quick playing the ball.
