Wales secured the second notable result of their summer tour with a 23-10 victory over Argentina.
Warren Gatland’s men put in an assured performance in San Juan, ably handling the Pumas attack and taking the vast majority of opportunities that came their way.
An early Nico Sanchez penalty put Argentina in front early but a brilliant try finished by James Davies – assisted by a sublime piece of passing skill from Hallam Amos – put Wales into a lead they would never relinquish.
Protecting it required plenty of hard graft with key moments such as captain Cory Hill’s try saving tackle over the line and Davies’ brilliant turnover soon after epitomising a highly-motivated and disciplined defensive effort.
George North scored Wales second try of the afternoon, running a smart support line to convert scrum-half Gareth Davies’ break.
Patchell kept the scoreboard ticking over throughout with excellent kicking and while Argentina eventually crossed for a seven-pointer through Tomas Lezana, they were well held by the final whistle and will be keen to make amends and level the series in Santa Fe next week. For Wales, the chance to win the series and
Earlier in the day, Ireland and England both fell short in tough encounters against Australia and South Africa respectively.
Ireland will rue a few key moments that went against them having led in the final quarter, while England also have plenty to ponder after coming out on the wrong side of a helter-skelter Test in Johannesburg. 24-3 ahead at half-time, Eddie Jones’ men fell behind in the second half and despite a late rally were unable to regain the lead and lost by 42-39.
Scotland also registered a win, a largely experimental side overcoming Canada in the early hours of Sunday morning (UK and Irish time). The lineout maul proved a potent weapon for Gregor Townsend’s men and replacement hooker George Turner scored three tries for the Scots, while Byron McGuigan, Ruairidh Jackson, Magnus Bradbury and Lewis Carmichael also getting on the scoresheet.
