England Secures Series Victory Over Argentina with Late Try

In a thrilling conclusion to their two-match series, England triumphed over Argentina with a narrow 22-17 victory at the Estadio Bicentenario in San Juan on Saturday, July 12, 2025. The match marked the second Test of the series, which England won 2-0, showcasing resilience and strategy under pressure. Replacement scrumhalf Jack van Poortvliet scored the decisive try in the final minute, capping off an intense contest that saw Argentina leading at halftime.

The match unfolded with Argentina taking an early lead, with tries from centre Lucio Cinti and wing Ignacio Mendy. Despite Argentina's strong performance, including a historical milestone for number eight Pablo Matera, who became the most capped player in his nation's history with 111 appearances, England managed to turn the tides in the second half.

According to George Ford, England's fly-half, "We found a way in the end. We had a lot of opportunities in the 22 but couldn't get over the line, I'm proud of the boys. I like our fight, our togetherness, showing how much we care. There was some great stuff, we should have scored more tries but the attitude of the group is great."

The first half saw England scoring quickly with a try from Seb Atkinson, facilitated by Ford's precise cross-field kick, putting the tourists ahead early on. However, after being reduced to 14 players due to a high tackle by Ben Curry, England conceded a try from Argentina, allowing them to take a 17-14 lead into halftime.

In the second half, England struggled to capitalize on their numerous opportunities, with Ford's penalty being the only points scored until Van Poortvliet's late intervention. The match highlighted Argentina's defensive lapses, particularly in their own 22, leading to consistent pressure from the English squad.

Argentina's captain, Julian Montoya, expressed disappointment post-match, stating, "We were not good enough, we have to be honest with ourselves. I am sorry we couldn't get the win, we gave away too many penalties."

This victory not only signifies England's prowess in adapting to challenges during the match but also represents a noteworthy achievement given the absence of several regular players who were on tour with the British and Irish Lions in Australia. The series win is a testament to England's depth and strategic gameplay, essential for their preparation for upcoming international competitions.

As both teams reflect on this series, the focus will shift to future engagements, with England looking to build on this momentum in their upcoming fixtures, while Argentina will aim to address their shortcomings and enhance their competitive edge. The implications of this match extend beyond mere statistics, as both teams prepare for a challenging season ahead, underscoring the ever-evolving landscape of international rugby.