Argentina’s bid to reach next year’s World Cup finals in France got off to a winning start with a 60-13 away win over Chile.
The opening 10 minutes of this World Cup qualifier was a disappointing affair with both teams struggling to get the upper hand.
However, after that, the Pumas took control and tries from Martin Scelzo, Lucas Borges and Federico Todeschini saw them establish a 17-0 lead at the break.
Chile reduced the deficit at the start of the second half with a drop goal from Sebastian Berti but Argentina were soon back in the points and scored seven more tries to complete a convincing day’s work.
Mario Ledesma led the way with a hat-trick of scores while Rafael Carballo, Manuel Carriza, Juan Manuel Leguizamon and Federico Serra also went over before Chile scored their only try of the match through Sebastian Gajardo in the last minute.
"We played a good game, but we have to continue working to correct our mistakes," said man-of-the-match Serra.
"We have to work a lot if we are to have a great World Cup next year."
