WALES SEE OFF PUMAS IN STYLE
WALES claimed their first Test victory in Argentina in 14 years as they produced a stirring performance to beat the Pumas in San Juan. Warren Gatland’s team had gone in as clear underdogs, with so many frontliners missing and the pack, in particular, looking very inexperienced, while the home side were all from the in-form Jaguares Super Rugby outfit.
But Gatland’s young charges produced a heroic display at the Estadio del Bicentenario to follow up last week’s victory over South Africa in Washington.
They claimed first-half touchdowns through flanker James Davies and wing George North, with North drawing level with Ieuan Evans on 33 touchdowns as Wales’ joint-third highest try-scorer. There were also 10 points from the boot of Rhys Patchell, who had a fine all-round game at outside-half.
Wales showed their potency in attack with Hallam Amos delivering a one-handed pass out of the back door to send James Davies over and North profiting from a Gareth Davies break.
That helped them build a 17-3 interval lead, while they also demonstrated their resolve and commitment in defence to hold firm in the face of periods of sustained pressure from the hosts.
Then, after the break, they extended their advantage through Patchell and denied the Pumas a try until it became a mere consolation with back-rower Tomas Lezana going over two minutes from time.
The final word then went to Wales, with replacement Gareth Anscombe slotting a penalty with the last kick of the game, and they will now head into next Saturday’s second Test in Santa Fe in real good heart.