Wales in buoyant mood after sealing series win in Argentina
0 Josh Adams scored a superb solo try in the first half for Wales. Wales’ summer tour co-captain Ellis Jenkins believes Warren Gatland’s side are in fine fettle for next year’s World Cup after they clinched a clean sweep of three straight victories this month.
A comfortable 30-12 success over Argentina in Santa Fe at the weekend not only sealed a first series win in the land of the Pumas since 1999, but also pushed Wales to third in World Rugby’s rankings – form that bodes well for their hopes of glory in Japan in 2019.
“We came on this tour with a lot of inexperience within the squad and we wanted to win three from three. To have done that is hugely pleasing,” flanker Jenkins said.
“It’s been about discovering some strength in depth and the boys, including myself, knew there was an opportunity to put your hand up to be in the mix for World Cup selection.
“Lots of boys in different positions have done that and Warren has spoken about the headaches he’s got, which is only a good thing for us.”
After downing South Africa 22-20 in Washington, Wales have dominated Argentina in two straight games. Josh Adams’ solo wonder try and the boot of Rhys Patchell put them 19-5 up at the break in Santa Fe, Bautista Delguy scoring Argentina’s effort. Hallam Amos touched down after the break and Patchell ended with a 20-point haul. Argentina scored late on through Julian Montoya after Ross Moriarty had been sent off for choking Nicolas Sanchez but it didn’t alter the tourists’ mood.
Ireland levelled their series against Australia thanks to a 26-21 victory in Melbourne, with tries by Andrew Conway and Tadhg Furlong plus a 16-point haul by Johnny Sexton helping to seal the win.
“We’re into a final now,” said Ireland full-back Rob Kearney as the squad arrived in Sydney ahead of Saturday’s decider.
A Jordie Barrett brace inspired New Zealand toa 26-13 victory over France, handing the All Blacks an unassailable 2-0 lead in their three-match series, while tries by Tommaso Benvenuti, Leonardo Ghiraldini and Jake Polledri gave Italy a 25-22 win over Japan in Kobe.