World Rugby have launched an investigation into the chaotic scenes that followed England’s dramatic 31-24 victory over Argentina in the Nations Championship.
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Tempers boiled over after the final whistle in Santiago del Estero, with several Argentina players confronting match officials following the controversial decision to rule out Bautista Delguy’s last-gasp try after a lengthy TMO review.
Footage from the aftermath showed players surrounding referee Angus Gardner as emotions spilled over after a match that had already seen seven yellow cards, multiple flashpoints and several off-the-ball incidents.
Match under scrutiny
The investigation is expected to examine the conduct of players in the immediate aftermath of the final whistle, with World Rugby reviewing referee and match commissioner reports alongside available broadcast footage.
Any disciplinary action would be considered under World Rugby’s regulations covering misconduct towards match officials, with sanctions ranging from warnings to suspensions depending on the findings.
Tensions throughout the contest
The match was one of the most ill-tempered Tests of the summer, featuring repeated confrontations, several yellow cards and a controversial finish after Argentina believed they had rescued a draw in the closing moments.
England ultimately held on for a 31-24 victory, but the fallout has continued long after the final whistle, with Argentina also expressing frustration over the disallowed try and head coach Felipe Contepomi later walking out of his post-match press conference after accusing England of showing a “lack of respect.”
England Nations Championship tournament ratings: Every player from best to worst
Using RUCK’s player ratings from all three matches, we’ve ranked every England player from best to worst based on their average rating across the tournament.
Only players who received ratings in at least two matches have been included.
1. Fin Smith – 8.17
Ratings: South Africa 7.5 | Fiji 9 | Argentina 8
England’s standout performer across the three Tests. Smith controlled games with maturity beyond his years, starred in the rout of Fiji and finished the tour with another composed display in Argentina. He has cemented himself as Steve Borthwick’s first-choice fly-half.
2. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso – 7.67
Ratings: South Africa 7 | Fiji 7 | Argentina 9
After two solid performances, Feyi-Waboso exploded into life against Argentina with one of the displays of the summer. Powerful carrying, excellent finishing and almost impossible to stop one-on-one.
3. Ben Earl – 7.67
Ratings: South Africa 8 | Fiji 7 | Argentina 8
England’s best forward throughout the campaign. Earl carried relentlessly against the Springboks before scoring twice against Argentina to finish another outstanding international window.
4. Jack van Poortvliet – 7.50
Ratings: South Africa 7.5 | Fiji 7 | Argentina 8
Quietly enjoyed an excellent series. His service improved with every game and he looked far more balanced in Argentina, despite picking up the first yellow card of his Test career.
5. Ellis Genge – 7.50
Ratings: South Africa 7.5 | Fiji 8 | Argentina 7
Led from the front all summer. Strong in the scrum, aggressive in the loose and one of England’s most reliable senior players across the three Tests.
6. Marcus Smith – 7.17
Ratings: South Africa 7.5 | Fiji 7 | Argentina 7
Played virtually everywhere in the backline during the tour. His versatility proved invaluable and he finished with tries against both Fiji and Argentina.
7. Joe Heyes – 7.00
Ratings: South Africa 6 | Fiji 8 | Argentina 7
Recovered brilliantly after a difficult afternoon against the Springboks. His scrummaging against Fiji was outstanding before another industrious display in Argentina.
8. Jamie George – 6.83
Ratings: South Africa 6.5 | Fiji 7 | Argentina 7
The captain produced exactly what England needed: dependable leadership, accurate lineout throwing and plenty of defensive work.
9. Luke Cowan-Dickie – 6.83
Ratings: South Africa 6 | Fiji 7.5 | Argentina 7
Made a big impact from the bench against Fiji, scoring quickly after coming on, before backing it up with another energetic display in Argentina.
10. Seb Atkinson – 6.67
Ratings: South Africa 6 | Fiji 7 | Argentina 7
Grew into the tour nicely. Improved defensively after South Africa and looked increasingly comfortable at Test level.
