Wily Pumas pull away at the finish

ARGENTINA scored two tries in the last 10 minutes to claim victory over Italy after a see-saw test in Florence.

The lead changed nine times and Italy led 15-14 on the hour before Argentina broke loose in the last 20 minutes with converted tries by Marcos Kremer and Joaquin Tuculet for only their second win this year.

Sebastian Cancelliere scored the other try for Argentina in the first half.

Italy’s points came from four Carlo Canna penalties and a drop goal from Marcello Violi. Juan Martin Hernandez converted one penalty for Argentina while Nicolas Sanchez scored 13 points from three penalties and two conversions.

Hernandez, temporarily replacing Sanchez, opened the scoring with a penalty for Argentina but Italy hit back with two quick Canna penalties. Cancelliere ducked between the Italian back line to score the game’s first try.

The two sides took it in turns to score and take the lead until, with Argentina 17-15 ahead, Kremer powered through Jayden Hayward’s tackle to give the Pumas breathing space.

Tuculet finished off an Argentina attack by diving into the corner for another try on his 50th appearance as they extended their unbeaten run against Italy which goes back to 2008.

Irish-born Ian McKinley came on with 18 minutes to play for his second cap.