Argentina have clinched the summer series following a win in the second test against Wales in Cardiff. Robert Rees brings you all the live reaction to the game from the principality stadium.
Argentina clinch summer series
Both sides started strongly and enjoyed some sunny spells with ball in hand, but it were Wales who planted their seed first. A great pop pass to Leon Brown starting off a sweeping attack that saw Owen Lane cross over in the corner to get the scoreboard ticking.
Their lead lasted fewer than four minutes as the Argentinian pack went to work, allowing Matias Moroni on his 50th cap to power over Sanchez’s conversion sending Los Pumas into the lead.
Wales were under the cosh at this point, and with 25 minutes played, Nicolas Sanchez finally added to the visitors points tally by slotting over a simple penalty. Their dominance continued when Tomas Cubelli sneaked in around the edge of a ruck to get their second of the game, their pressure telling its toll on Wales.
Jarrod Evans clawing three points back immediately from the restart.
HALF TIME; Wales 8-17 Argentina.
Wales well and truly under the cosh and struggling to develop many significant attacking positions.
Lots of errors forced, but scrum is looking good and Leon Brown is having a great game.
Lost the dynamism as the half went on. pic.twitter.com/dlIg4El8qU
— Robert Rees (@Rreesrugby) July 17, 2021
Half time; Wales 8-17 Argentina
It took over 10 minutes of the second half before a score was registered, largely due to most of the action being played in the middle quarters. Evans yet again added three points to his tally to put Wayne Pivac’s men within a score. Once again the restart saw some ill-discipline and Sanchez slotted his second over minutes later.
The second half resumed it’s scrappy nature around every sub that broke up play and after a plethora of penalties against either side Sanchez once again found himself adding further points off the tee.
Wales walked off disappointed following the loss as it meant they’d not only lost the Argentina summer series, but only took one win from three alongside some disappointing performances.
A second try in as many games for Pablo Matera this summer only compounding the misery for Pivac’s men. The victory a first on Welsh soil since 2012.
“Main photo credit”
