Wales Overpowered by Argentina

This was match two of three as Wales visit three continents in three weeks in a punishing schedule in the Nations Championship. After beating Fiji in Cardiff, it was Argentina in San Juan - a far more demanding assignment.

Wales started well enough scoring a well-worked try from a driving lineout after kicking an early penalty into the corner. Lake touched down and Costelow converted - so far so good. It wasn’t long before it was clear that the Welsh defence would be sorely tested by the powerful running of the Pumas coupled with an effective kick-chase tactic. The home side hit back with two converted tries in a ten minute period and the ease with which they scored them was worrying to say the least.

Another penalty for Wales saw them deep in the Pumas’ twenty-two. We were then rewarded with what has become a trademark Carre try from short range. The scores were level at 14-14 but the home side looked to hold most of the aces. In a devastating surge in the last five minutes of the first half, the home side scored two converted tries to storm into a 28-14 lead.

A fifth try early in the second half for the Pumas put the game beyond doubt at 35-14. The game became increasingly scrappy as the benches were emptied but, for the most part, it was Wales scrambling in defence to keep the score down. A faint glimmer of hope for Wales came with another front row try from short range this time from Warren to close the gap to 35-21.

Wales huffed and puffed and there was still some hope of a bonus point or two but sadly the Welsh attacking play was pretty innocuous and was comfortably contained by the home side who claimed a well-deserved bonus point victory.

This was Wales coming down to earth with a bump after two victories. It seems our only method of scoring tries is through short range driving play. This may work against the less powerful nations but certainly will not do against the likes of South Africa. Our back play continues to disappoint with a lack of guile, pace and penetration.

Speaking of which, South Africa is the next challenge for Wales in Durban next weekend. Scotland gave the Springboks a fright this weekend with their power and commitment. Admittedly it was not a full strength Springboks side but they have such strength in depth that any South African will be a powerful outfit.  It was a tremendous match with the Scots giving as good as they got before going down 42-28 which flatters the Springboks.

The other four matches were rather one-sided with wins for France, New Zealand, Ireland and England. So, another overall tie at three wins each for Northern and Southern Hemispheres.

Good luck to Wales against mighty South Africa !