Argentina secure five-try victory over Wales in Nations Championship clash
Argentina claimed a decisive 35-21 victory over Wales in the Nations Championship at the Estadio San Juan del Bicentenario. The hosts delivered a strong performance, scoring five tries to Wales’ three, marking a significant improvement after their recent loss to Scotland.
The match saw Joaquin Oviedo, Justo Piccardo, Marcos Kremer, and Santiago Carreras cross the try-line for Argentina. Tomos Albornoz successfully converted all five tries. For Wales, Dewi Lake, Rhys Carre, and Ben Warren scored tries, with Sam Costelow converting all three.
Oviedo’s Dominant Performance
Joaquin Oviedo was named Player of the Match for his impactful display. The Argentina number eight led in carries, defenders beaten, and metres made. Oviedo scored two tries and was a significant force, accumulating 98 running metres, including 20 carries and beating six defenders before being substituted in the 49th minute.
Another standout for Argentina was Justo Piccardo, the inside centre. Piccardo, at just 24, showcased a blend of power, speed, and footwork. His performance included 15 carries, beating three defenders, and making two clean breaks, contributing significantly to Argentina’s offensive efforts.
The Welsh side faced a tough challenge in San Juan, with their aim of securing a third consecutive Test victory not materialising. There was a noticeable dip in their performance compared to their previous win against Fiji. The period just before half-time proved costly for Wales, as tries from Kremer and Carreras gave Los Pumas a 28-14 lead at the break, a lead they maintained throughout the second half.
Wales’ Challenges and Future Fixtures
This result places Argentina in third position in the Southern Hemisphere league standings, while Wales are now fifth in their Northern Hemisphere equivalent following their away defeat. The Welsh attack, despite showing spirit, largely relied on the driving line-out and the physicality of Rhys Carre, indicating areas for improvement.
Wales’ head coach, Steve Tandy, acknowledged positive aspects of the performance but recognised the need for his squad to elevate their game, especially with a challenging fixture against South Africa approaching. The team’s travel schedule has been demanding, involving six flights over two weeks, including an 18-hour journey from London Heathrow to Buenos Aires.
Captain Dewi Lake commented on the travel, stating that while challenging, it is a common experience for sportspeople globally, and the team aims to adapt and find their rhythm. Wales had limited preparation time for the match, with only one full training session lasting approximately an hour in Buenos Aires before travelling to San Juan.
The upcoming match for Tandy’s team is a visit to South Africa in Durban next Saturday. Argentina, meanwhile, will look to build on their victory when they face England, who recently scored 73 points against Fiji. The demanding schedule and the intensity of the Nations Championship continue to test both squads.
Wales arrived in San Juan, a city known for its wine and located at the base of the Andes, after spending time in Buenos Aires. San Juan has hosted Argentina’s national team eight times, and this was the second time they played Wales there; Wales previously won 23-10 in 2018. The stadium, with its 25,000 seats, offers an intimate setting for matches.
The match was played in a region where football often dominates sporting discussions, particularly with Argentina’s national team aiming for success in the World Cup. Despite the football focus, Wales hoped to make their own headlines in the rugby fixture. The challenging conditions in San Juan, including chilly weather, added another layer to the contest.
Wales’ recent form included back-to-back Test wins against Italy and Fiji, marking their first such streak since the 2023 World Cup. However, this defeat to Argentina means they remain ranked 11th in the world, four places below their opponents. The team faces a significant challenge in their next fixture against South Africa.
Tandy made several changes to the Welsh squad for the match, including handing the fly-half jersey to Sam Costelow. Additionally, Kane James made his debut from the bench, following in the footsteps of other Welsh players who earned their first international caps in Argentina. James’ father travelled for 24 hours to witness his son become the 1,224th player to represent Wales at Test level.
The match concludes a period of intense travel and competition for Wales, with their next fixture against South Africa scheduled for next week.
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Source: bbc.com
