Argentina were no match for England today, losing 39-18 at the Junior World Championship in Narbonne, France. The heavy defeat came despite a strong start and at the half way stage the win was there for the taking.
At half time England held a 19-15 lead. It eas a good half of rugby from Los Pumitas. THey were able to make good carries, defend well and have a strong structure in place.
A stolen ball by Santiago Chocobares opened the scoring. The inside center’s try was converted by Juan Bautista Daireaux. England took note with Jordan Olowofela and Henry Walker each crossing for well-worked tries.
Los Pumitas hit-back through Bautista Pedemonte. From the same club as Juan Manuel Leguizamón, Facundo Isa, and Tomás Lezana the Santiago del Estero no 8 powered over in the 28th minute. Having had a successful penalty from Daireaux it mean Los Pumitas were 15-14 ahead.
The remaining 12 minutos of the first half were not in Los Pumitas’ favor and nor was the second half. Instead England would take firm control.
Both Walker and Olowofela would score again and the goal-kicking from James Grayson added even more points. There was a long range goal from replacement Pumita Joaquín de la Vega Mendía though England quickly cancelled it out via Tom Hardwick.
Late in the piece replacement fly half Marcus Smith provided support to round-off an excellent team try. The Harlequin would also add the conversion.
Argentina play next on Sunday. Their match against Scotland will be at 8:30am Argentina time. They need a win over the Scots and also Italy if they are to have a shot at advancing to the Semi Finals.
SCORING
ENGLAND 39
Tries – J. Olowofela 2, H. Walker 2, M. Smith
Conversion: Grayson (3), Smith
Penalty: Grayson, Hardwick
ARGENTINA 18
Tries – S. Chocobares, B. Pedemonte
Cons – J. Daireaux
Pens – J. Daireaux, J. de la Vega Mendía
Yellow cards – F. Lavanini
TEAMS
ENGLAND u20
15 Tom Parton, 14 Ali Crossdale, 13 Fraser Dingwall, 12 Tom Hardwick, 11 Jordan Olowofela, 10 James Grayson, 9 Ben White, 8 Josh Basham, 7 Ben Curry (capt.), 6 Ted Hill, 5 James Scott, 4 Joel Kpoku, 3 Ehren Painter, 2 Henry Walker, 1 Toby Trinder
Replacements: 16 Beck Cutting, 17 Alex Seville, 18 Joe Heyes, 19 Sam Lewis, 20 Tom Willis, 21 Rory Brand, 22 Marcus Smith, 23 Gabriel Ibitoye
ARGENTINA u20
15 Santiago Carreras, 14 Pablo Avellaneda, 13 Juan Pablo Castro, 12 Santiago Chocobares, 11 Mateo Carreras, 10 Juan Bautista Daireaux, 9 Manuel Nogues, 8 Bautista Pendemonte, 7 Santiago Ruiz, 6 Joaquín de la Vega (capt.), 5 Lucas Paulos, 4 Salvador Ochoa, 3 Mayco Vivas, 2 Lionel Oveido, 1 Rodrigo Martínez
Replacements: 16 Agustin Milet, 17 Gonzalo Hughes, 18 Lucio Sordoni, 19 Federico Lavanni, 20 Juan Molina, 21 Gonzalo García, 22 Joaquín de la Vega Mendía, 23 Leopoldo Herrera