MAULED BY THE PUMAS
Gatland angry at controversial stand-in ref’s crucial call
WARREN GATLAND was left to rue the controversial call from stand-in referee Karl Dickson that turned this match on its head for Wales.
With Wales leading by five points and 16 minutes left, Argentina second row Guido Petti careered into a breakdown and into the head of centre Nick Tompkins.
It looked certain that Petti would be on his way off the field for a bunker review.
But, with Tomkins falling at the moment of impact, the English official – who had taken over in the 16th minute when South Africa’s Jaco Peyper had to go off with a calf injury – decided there was no foul play.
Wales were incredulous, Argentina mightily relieved and, with 15 men, they were able to pull clear through tries from Joel Sclavi and Nicolas Sanchez to break Welsh hearts.
Gatland (right) said: “The referee said it wasn’t foul play, but it will be interesting to see the feedback on that challenge.
“I thought it was at least a penalty. Those big moments can swing things in big matches, but that’s just the way it is.
“The players are down and disappointed, but they should be proud. It’s a missed opportunity, but you can’t take anything away from Argentina. They’re a dogged side who stay in it.”
It was Wales who struck first in the 14th minute, in front of the watching Prince William. George North made the break in midfield, Gareth Davies in support, and Dan Biggar was on hand to take the try-scoring pass.
However, as Argentina’s pack – jump-started by the carries of No.8 Facundo Isa – started to rumble, wing Emiliano Boffelli cut Wales’ lead to 10-6 with two penalties just before half-time. The second raised the temperature considerably. Josh Adams’ body-check off the ball on Tomas Cubelli sparked a mass flare-up. It was judged a “cheap shot” by Dickson as he reviewed the TMO footage, but the official did not deem it worthy of a card. Two more penalties from the Edinburgh wing in the first 10 minutes of the second half saw Argentina take the lead. It was the first time Wales had trailed in the tournament since their opening game against Fiji.
Not for long. Replacement scrum-half Tomos Williams sniped through a glaring hole in the Argentina ruck defence eight minutes later and sped over from 25 metres for a try converted by Biggar.
But then came the pivotal moment.
With Petti still on the field – and Tompkins off for a head injury assessment, which he passed – Argentina made their move.
Roared on by their passionate support, they laid siege to the Wales line, the defence was all
heart and soul, but eventually the sheer weight of Argentine beef coming at them had to tell.
Replacement prop Sclavi – all 22st of him – muscled his way over from short range with 12 minutes left. Boffelli converted and Wales were behind again.
Louis Rees-zammit went close after the sparky Rio Dyer broke the Pumas’ defence, only for Matias Moroni to deny him with a brave cover tackle.
With time running out, Wales had to play, but it was their ultimate undoing as, with Biggar’s race run, replacement Sam Costelow flicked out a hopeful pass, which Sanchez read and intercepted. He ran in from just inside the Wales half, dived over for the try and was buried by jubilant Pumas.
Sanchez hit the last nail home with an injury-time penalty and Wales’ bid was over.
For Argentina, beaten by 14-man England on the opening weekend, a semi-final represents a remarkable turnaround.
“It’s how you embrace the moment and fight for each other. That’s what rugby is about,” said captain Julian Montoya. “Two more weeks, I don’t want this to end – ever.”