Figurita20
June 23rd, 2002, 5:18:01 AM
Two-try England too strong for Pumas
By Charles Froggatt
In association with
BUENOS AIRES (Reuters) - England has scored two tries to overturn a 12-3 half time deficit and defeat Argentina 26-18 in the first test.
The home team, who edged out Six Nations champions France 28-27 in Buenos Aires last week, were under pressure from the start after England flyhalf Charlie Hodgson kicked a fifth minute penalty on Saturday.
But the Pumas, backed by a 30,000 crowd, clawed their way back with two Gonzalo Quesada penalties after some ill-disciplined rucking from the tourists.
Quesada, who was peppering the England defence with high kicks, then booted two more penalties before Hodgson, playing only his sixth game for England, screwed two penalty attempts wide.
England, though, took control of the game at the beginning of the second half with a try by Ben Kay.
The second row forward, one of the few experienced players in the England side, powered over the line after scrumhalf Andy Gomarsall popped the ball up from a ruck 20 metres out.
Hodgson converted but Argentina hit back immediately with another Quesada penalty.
CONFIDENCE HIGH
England were then awarded a penalty after a high tackle from Federico Mendez and Hodgson, his confidence high, slotted the kick between the posts to make the score 13-15.
But the killer blow was still to come. Prop David Flatman bulldozed through the Argentine midfield before setting up wing Phil Christophers, who side-stepped the three remaining defenders and charged over the line.
The Pumas took the game to the tourists with their first spell of running rugby and Quesada closed the gap to 18-23 with another penalty.
England, though, put the result beyond doubt when Tim Stimpson kicked a penalty from the halfway line.
By Charles Froggatt
In association with
BUENOS AIRES (Reuters) - England has scored two tries to overturn a 12-3 half time deficit and defeat Argentina 26-18 in the first test.
The home team, who edged out Six Nations champions France 28-27 in Buenos Aires last week, were under pressure from the start after England flyhalf Charlie Hodgson kicked a fifth minute penalty on Saturday.
But the Pumas, backed by a 30,000 crowd, clawed their way back with two Gonzalo Quesada penalties after some ill-disciplined rucking from the tourists.
Quesada, who was peppering the England defence with high kicks, then booted two more penalties before Hodgson, playing only his sixth game for England, screwed two penalty attempts wide.
England, though, took control of the game at the beginning of the second half with a try by Ben Kay.
The second row forward, one of the few experienced players in the England side, powered over the line after scrumhalf Andy Gomarsall popped the ball up from a ruck 20 metres out.
Hodgson converted but Argentina hit back immediately with another Quesada penalty.
CONFIDENCE HIGH
England were then awarded a penalty after a high tackle from Federico Mendez and Hodgson, his confidence high, slotted the kick between the posts to make the score 13-15.
But the killer blow was still to come. Prop David Flatman bulldozed through the Argentine midfield before setting up wing Phil Christophers, who side-stepped the three remaining defenders and charged over the line.
The Pumas took the game to the tourists with their first spell of running rugby and Quesada closed the gap to 18-23 with another penalty.
England, though, put the result beyond doubt when Tim Stimpson kicked a penalty from the halfway line.