England clung on for a chaotic 31-24 victory over Argentina with the Pumas denied a potentially tying try in the final minute of the Nations Championship clash.
Bautista Delguy looked to have set up a shot at a draw in Santiago del Estero when he squeezed past Henry Slade into the corner, only for a protracted review to find that Delguy had not quite managed to ground. The review had seen disagreement between referee Angus Gardner and TMO Brett Cronan, with the latter eventually ruling no try as England held on.
It had been a wild and weird encounter in Santiago del Estero, with England seemingly in control at the interval after an impressive first half but losing their way in a flurry of cards that punctuated the second 40 minutes. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso was a standout throughout, and his try eventually proved crucial as Steve Borthwick’s side made it back-to-back wins.
Follow all of the latest from the Nations Championship clash with our live blog below:
Argentina vs England LIVE
- England hold on for 31-24 victory against Argentina to finish summer on a high
- Argentina denied last-minute try in controversial TMO call
- FT: Argentina 24-31 England
- 70' – Outstanding Feyi-Waboso helps England reassert ascendancy (ARG 17-31 ENG)
- 55' – Argentina roar back with England reduced to 13 men (ARG 17-19 ENG)
- HT: Argentina 3-19 England
- 24' – England strike twice in heated start (ARG 0-12 ENG)
Cards, chaos and controversy: How England just about clung on for Argentina victory
22:44 , Harry Latham-Coyle
England spared the nation more heartbreak at the hands of Argentina after surviving a nerve-jangling period of overtime to triumph 31-24, with Immanuel Feyi-Waboso’s stunning finish proving decisive.
Three days after their football counterparts crashed out of the World Cup with a 2-1 semi-final collapse against Argentina, Steve Borthwick’s men came through their customary disciplinary implosion in a stormy encounter in Santiago del Estero.
Cards, chaos and controversy: How England just about clung on for Argentina victory
England cling on for victory
22:37 , Harry Latham-Coyle
That’s 15 yellows and one red for England in their last eight matches. Plenty to fix for Steve Borthwick, still, before the Nations Championship resumes in November. Just nine properly competitive games to the World Cup, now – it’s coming up quickly.
Immanuel Feyi-Waboso speaks to ITV
22:34 , Harry Latham-Coyle
“It was a tough fought match that went right to the end. Argentina, the passion, the fans, the atmosphere was amazing. Our discipline wasn’t great but we managed to hold on at the end.
“I don’t know how many cards there were in that game, but it is too many. You can’t be finishing games with 13 men.”
FT: Argentina 24-31 England
22:32 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Get Angus Gardner some strepsils – a busy half for the referee.
Wow, what an end to the game!
— ITV Rugby (@ITVRugby) July 18, 2026
Argentina thought they'd scored in the corner, but after a lengthy exchange and disagreement between ref Angus Gardener and the TMO, the ball is ruled out, and England hang on for the win.
FT: 🇦🇷 24-31 🏴 pic.twitter.com/Y5QL0u4tlK
FT: Argentina 24-31 England
22:29 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Blimey. A wild finish to a wild, weird game. Some tackle from Henry Slade and the right decision reached in the end...I think. Argentina won’t be best pleased, though – Felipe Contepomi’s press conference could be lively.
FULL TIME! Argentina 24-31 England
22:28 , Harry Latham-Coyle
NO TRY!
22:26 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Brett Cronan wins the argument! The Argentina crowd are furious – and referee Angus Gardner doesn’t seem at all certain as he deliver his decision.
But simultaneous grounding on the line and touch in-goal means no try! England cling on! Argentina players are absolutely indignant, roaring in Gardner’s face.
Try? Argentina 24-31 England, 83 minutes
22:25 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Agonising, this. TMO Brett Cronan doesn’t have the angles he wants. Referee Angus Gardner bats away suggestions from Pablo Matera that Caluori’s initial challenge is high.
Gardner’s on-field decision is try. Cronan doesn’t think he’s got it down. There’s disagreement. This is carnage.
Try? Argentina 24-31 England, 83 minutes
22:22 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Caluori hasn’t, but maybe Henry Slade has on the follow-up? It’s mighty, mighty tight.
Try? Argentina 24-31 England, 83 minutes
22:22 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Is that the try? Bautista Delguy feels he’s scored, but has Noah Caluori done enough to force him into touch?
Argentina 24-31 England, 83 minutes
22:21 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Off they go! Simon Benitez Cruz and co. surge into space and onwards into the England 22. There’s got to be space out there...
Turnover? Not quite, England’s efforts unrewarded. Argentina pushed back towards the 22.
Argentina 24-31 England, 82 minutes
22:19 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Argentina going nowhere, for now. England unable to quite get hands on breakdown ball...and then infringe with Tommy Freeman catching a runner high.
Argentina 24-31 England, 81 minutes
22:19 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Argentina have no option but to spin it from deep. One defensive set will do it for England as the hooter sounds.
TRY! ARGENTINA 24-31 England (Justo PIccardo, 80 minutes)
22:18 , Harry Latham-Coyle
A late twist?! Justo Piccardo bursts away and a quick conversion from Santiago Carreras ensures that there will be a restart.
Seven away. They need another but England do only have 13. Noah Caluori is on, finally.
Argentina 17-31 England, 78 minutes
22:17 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Janse van Rensburg is carted away. Best wishes to him – it looks like he is able to raise an arm on his way off.
Argentina resume with a lineout 30 metres out against England, who have been rejoined by Seb Atkinson.
Argentina 17-31 England, 78 minutes
22:14 , Harry Latham-Coyle
There would probably be an argument to call it now. There are 97 seconds left in the game.
Argentina 17-31 England, 78 minutes
22:11 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Janse van Rensburg is in real bother here. It looks like he is receiving oxygen. Angus Gardner sorts the rest of them out, calming the tension. “Can we finish this game, please?” he asks, speaking for all of us.
Argentina 17-31 England, 78 minutes
22:09 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Genge done for collapsing. Argentina tap and go quickly...and knock on. Benhard Janse van Rensburg appears to have knocked himself out in the maelstrom. Medics rush on to attend to England’s centre as it all kicks off again.
Argentina 17-31 England, 78 minutes
22:08 , Harry Latham-Coyle
A slightly farcical end, this. Ellis Genge and Pedro Delgado are called in to the headmaster’s office and given a stern rebuke.
Argentina 17-31 England, 78 minutes
22:07 , Harry Latham-Coyle
England hold firm...just. “Play away or reset,” referee Angus Gardner clearly calls in English, and Argentina either don’t understand or don’t want to listen. Both front rows stood up – it’ll be a reset, and 30 more valuable seconds tick away.
Argentina 17-31 England, 77 minutes
22:06 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Marcus Smith has gone, I think, to allow Genge’s return. Argentina set a scrum five out, just right of centre, needing two converted tries in three minutes.
YELLOW CARD! Argentina 17-31 England, 77 minutes
22:04 , Harry Latham-Coyle
They do via a free kick, and Emmanuel Iyogun is surely not back 10? A penalty at least...
And a yellow. The debutant has his first Test card. England will finish the match with 13 – or maybe fewer, given the state of this game. Angus Gardner puffs his cheek out after slotting the yellow square back into his pocket. England will have to lose someone and bring back Ellis Genge.
Argentina 17-31 England, 76 minutes
22:03 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Two more resets will suit England fine. Argentina appeared to have a nudge on but deemed to have been spinning around the side. They have to get on with it!
Argentina 17-31 England, 74 minutes
22:01 , Harry Latham-Coyle
An argument over the scrum set-up wastes more time. Argentina have a full complement again. Their eight will engage against seven English forwards.
YELLOW CARD! Henry Pollock is sent to the sin bin! Argentina 17-31 England, 73 minutes
22:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle
A flurry of offsides by England and Henry Pollock is sent to the sin bin! To the delight of the crowd, he jogs off.
Referee Angus Gardner’s card has been busy. 14 v 14 for now.
Argentina 17-31 England, 72 minutes
21:57 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Right, you’d say Argentina need one now. They are back up to 14 men with Joaquin Oviedo returning, and Santiago Carreras won’t be far away.
TRY! Argentina 17-31 ENGLAND (Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, 70 minutes)
21:56 , Harry Latham-Coyle
England extend their lead!
Immanuel Feyi-Waboso has had a stormer. It comes from a lineout, thrown over the top by Argentina and well exploited by Tom Curry and Luke Cowan-Dickie thereafter. The former finds the latter after bursting up the seam beyond the set-piece, and Feyi-Waboso arrives in the next phase with unstoppable intentions for the try line.
Argentina 17-26 England, 69 minutes
21:54 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Some strength from Immanuel Feyi-Waboso. The wing claims a mark and is hit by an arriving train in Bautista Delguy...but just sort of stands there. Superhero stuff. A bit of aggro afterwards, but tempers soon settle.
Argentina 17-26 England, 67 minutes
21:53 , Harry Latham-Coyle
A bright attack from England is ended by a side entry from Henry Pollock. Pablo Matera, the wily flanker, over the top of the ball. Such a warrior.
Argentina 17-26 England, 66 minutes
21:52 , Harry Latham-Coyle
This is good from England when they seemed to be imploding. Ollie Chessum appears to be captaining them with Jamie George off and has taken control well in the last 10 minutes.
Jack van Poortlivet takes a tumble after an inadvertent collision. Steve Borthwick brings on George Kloska for Joe Heyes at tighthead, and Alex Coles is back amongst things. Tom Curry is out there, too, replacing George Martin it seems.
YELLOW CARD! Santiago Carreras is sent to the sin bin! Argentina 17-26 England, 64 minutes
21:49 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Another flash of yellow – Santiago Carreras is sent to join Joaquin Oviedo in the bin.
Argentina down to 13, England 14 for a few more minutes. England back in control, or something resembling it. It’s chaos, really.
TRY! Argentina 17-26 ENGLAND (Marcus Smith, 62 minutes)
21:48 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Santiago del Estero falls silent again! Marcus Smith is over in the corner!
Jack van Poortvliet’s sharp pass finds the man who filled his shoes for a bit – and there was a deliberate knock-on before it got to Smith, surely?
Fin Smith converts superbly from the touchline.
Argentina 17-19 England, 61 minutes
21:47 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Jack van Poortvliet does return after England punt the penalty upfield, and immediately injects some zip from scrum half. Inroads are quickly made into the Argentina 22.
YELLOW CARD! Joaquin Oviedo is sent to the sin bin! Argentina 17-19 England, 60 minutes
21:46 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Off he goes for 10 minutes, and maybe more. Both Oviedo and Pedro Delgado were involved. Pepper lucky to avoid injury.
Argentina down to 14, England still 13, though Jack van Poortvliet will be back soon.
TMO CHECK! Argentina 17-19 England, 60 minutes
21:44 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Aha – it was Guy Pepper who snatched that turnover for England, and this looks like a croc roll from Joaquin Oviedo. He may be in bother, with the initial number wrong.
Argentina 17-19 England, 60 minutes
21:43 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Issues with the TMO and the director. An interminable delay.
Argentina 17-19 England, 60 minutes
21:42 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Wallop! Marcos Kremer levels George Martin – some feat – and Boris Wenger feeds on the carrion. Holding on; penalty Argentina.
TMO Brett Cronan wants to check something, though. Dangerous cleanout by Argentina? Pedro Delgado could be the man in the disciplinary dock.
Argentina 17-19 England, 59 minutes
21:41 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Pressure relieved! A brilliant turnover, I think from Luke Cowan-Dickie, and Henry Pollock positively belts the ball to the other side of Santiago del Estero.
Argentina 17-19 England, 58 minutes
21:40 , Harry Latham-Coyle
England can’t get out of their own way. A lineout infraction comes with Alex Coles, who I think had been calling it, in the sin bin. Argentina on the offensive again on the fringes of the 22.
Argentina 17-19 England, 57 minutes
21:39 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Fin Smith has returned from his HIA, in better news for England. It was silent not long ago; not so now, the Argentina fans lifting the volume and in some style.
Argentina 17-19 England, 56 minutes
21:38 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Henry Pollock is on, greeted with a chorus of jeers, whistles and (I presume) obscenities. England in more disciplinary bother – not for the first time this July, they are down to 14 and firmly on the back foot.
Five more minutes or so down two men. Marcus Smith is playing scrum half.
Pressure building on England as Jack van Poortvliet sees yellow for a deliberate knock-on 🟨#NationsChampionship pic.twitter.com/wRIgiIvitk
— ITV Rugby (@ITVRugby) July 18, 2026
PENALTY TRY! ARGENTINA 17-19 England (55 minutes)
21:36 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Bad...to worse. Argentina are roaring back and the crowd are hopping!
Tomas Albornoz is felled two metres out and looks for an offload, and Alex Coles swipes it away. It’s deemed a deliberate knock-on...and a penalty try with a supporting player in close attention!
Argentina 10-19 England, 54 minutes
21:33 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Emmanuel Iyogun is on for his international debut and can’t quite grab a turnover. Prop partner Joe Heyes is soon penalised for offside. Advantage coming.
England’s 14-men being made to do all sorts of work here as Argentina batter on the door.
Argentina 10-19 England, 53 minutes
21:32 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Here come Argentina again! Joaquin Oviedo and Justo Piccardo make a pretty persuasive one-two punch, and the pair push towards the England line.
Five out, Gonzalo Garcia considers his options and goes away to the right. Tomas Albornoz is caught behind the gainline. Onwards they go.
Argentina 10-19 England, 51 minutes
21:31 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Stolen! A vital pilfer at the front from Ollie Chessum, reading the call of his former Leicester teammate Julian Montoya and snatching it. England out of the mire for now.
Argentina 10-19 England, 48 minutes
21:29 , Harry Latham-Coyle
It’s all gone wrong for England. Down their half backs, down to 14 for the next 10, Argentina exploring the corner once more...
YELLOW CARD! Jack van Poortvliet is sent to the sin bin! Argentina 10-19 England, 48 minutes
21:28 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Trouble and strife for England – a deliberate knock-on from Jack van Poortvliet within 15 metres of the line and that’ll be a yellow card with a man outside him.
Off to the sin bin he goes. Marcus Smith will have to go into scrum half...again.
Argentina 10-19 England, 48 minutes
21:25 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Pedro Delgado has replaced Tomas Rapetti, too,, while Efrain Elias and Pablo Matera are on for Matias Alemanno and Santiago Grondona as Felipe Contepomi goes to his bench.
Joaquin Oviedo is one of the starters still out there, and still charging about with his trademark gusto and gnarl. The No 8 is some carrier. Another penalty Argentina’s way; another entry into the England 22.
Argentina 10-19 England, 47 minutes
21:23 , Harry Latham-Coyle
England just haven’t got their aerial work right today. They’ve tried the retreating wings catching trick again, but Argentina have got real joy in shooting into the spaces between either Immanuel Feyi-Waboso or Tommy Freeeman and Marcus Smith/whoever is the rearmost man.
Anyway, no real harm done here as an Argentina grubber travels dead. Boris Wenger comes on for Mayco Vivas at loosehead.
Argentina 10-19 England, 45 minutes
21:21 , Harry Latham-Coyle
More bad news for England – Fin Smith is going off. His mouthguard has flashed up after a head contact. Marcus Smith into fly half, Henry Slade to full-back, Benhard Janse van Rensburg on in the centres? That is what it looks like.
TRY! ARGENTINA 10-19 England (Mateo Carreras, 44 minutes)
21:19 , Harry Latham-Coyle
A short-range shunt from...Mateo Carreras? The wing showcases his power to get over.
Impressive stuff from Carreras, spotting the chance to get involved after the forwards had done the initial toil. Santiago Grondona is a heftier body in the sidecar, and provides the necessary shove. Tomas Albornoz adds the extras.
Argentina 3-19 England, 42 minutes
21:18 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Much, much more like it from Argentina. That was lovely from Albornoz, chipping and chasing and then leaving Marcus Smith on his backside. A penalty is kicked to the left corner.
Argentina 3-19 England, 41 minutes
21:17 , Harry Latham-Coyle
The second half begins as the first ended, with Immanuel Feyi-Waboso knocking on in contact. Away goes Tomas Albornoz on another threatening wander as Argentina spring into life.
Second half...
21:16 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Fin Smith gets proceedings back underway.
HT: Argentina 3-19 England
21:02 , Harry Latham-Coyle
A half that will please Steve Borthwick. England haven’t always found fluency but have shown some funky and forthright stuff, matching plenty of ambition with a statement set-piece score. They are right in control – but will be wary of an Argentina team that can strike in bursts.
I’m going to spend the next 10 minutes watching this, I think.
England in dreamland, and tensions not cooling down 😬
— ITV Rugby (@ITVRugby) July 18, 2026
Argentina are annihilated by the English scrum, and it's the easiest finish Ben Earl will ever have. 🏴#NationsChampionship pic.twitter.com/2QAHTgdJoL
HT: Argentina 3-19 England
21:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Argentina 3-19 England, 40 minutes
20:59 , Harry Latham-Coyle
An excellent half from Immanuel Feyi-Waboso ends on a bum note, shelling as he takes a tackle.
That’ll do us.
Argentina 3-19 England, 39 minutes
20:59 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Sharp, sneaky stuff from Jack van Poortvliet as he uses a moment of confusion over an advantage to snipe into space. England can’t capitalise thereafter, but will push the penalty to within 10 metres of the Argentina line.
Argentina 3-19 England, 39 minutes
20:58 , Harry Latham-Coyle
There are a few heavy breathing forwards out there, with England captain Jamie George down for some treatment. It has been a long season for most of those out there – the majority of Argentina’s squad are regulars in Europe’s top leagues, and several of the tourists’ team have blown through the stipulated match limits set before the season.
Argentina 3-19 England, 37 minutes
20:56 , Harry Latham-Coyle
About the only area working well for Argentina is the aerial battle, with England’s backfield looking a little vulnerable. The returned Carreras is the latest to snatch one.
Onwards they plough...but not for long! A roaring Ben Earl wins a jackal penalty.
Argentina 3-19 England, 36 minutes
20:55 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Pretty aimless phase play from Argentina as they run down the time on the yellow card. Tomas Albornoz tries to snatch three points...just short with the drop goal.
Back comes Mateo Carreras, who has spent his time on the naughty step getting strapped up having been left with a bloodied face in that challenge.
Argentina 3-19 England, 35 minutes
20:54 , Harry Latham-Coyle
That really was some set-piece statement from England, who hadn’t had things all their own way at all. What an improvement in that area over the last 18 months or so – the tour of Argentina last summer was huge for Joe Heyes in particular, and he’s now in the conversation as the best tighthead in the world having really stepped up last July.
TRY! Argentina 3-19 ENGLAND (Ben Earl, 33 minutes)
20:52 , Harry Latham-Coyle
A thing of muscular beauty! Stick that on the wall, a scrummaging display of might, meat and mastery in equal measure. Ben Earl merely controls it at the base as the seven ahead of him dismantle their prey.
Argentina 3-12 England, 31 minutes
20:50 , Harry Latham-Coyle
So nearly something from nothing! Superb covering from Tomas Albornoz, in the end, after England turn ball over and seize their opportunity. Another crosskick from Fin Smith exploits the space left vacant with Mateo Carreras still in the bin, and Tommy Freeman hacks twice ahead. Albornoz somehow races back to cover...though he’s forced over his own line. Scrum five, England feed.
PENALTY! ARGENTINA 3-12 England (Tomas Albornoz, 30 mins)
20:48 , Harry Latham-Coyle
An Argentina No 10 with a sweet left foot? Straight and true from Tomas Albornoz.
Argentina 0-12 England, 28 minutes
20:46 , Harry Latham-Coyle
A silly penalty from Jamie George, retreating into the line of a chaser after an Argentina up-and-under. It is central and well within range – kill a bit of clock and get points on the board? Yes, is Julian Montoya’s call.
The yellow card remains a yellow card.
Argentina 0-12 England, 26 minutes
20:44 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Lost with the line in sight! Fin Smith shakes his head after tumbling and fumbling when a score seemed certain following a delicious England move. A lovely little kick from Tommy Freeman seemed to have returned the favour for his score earlier...alas, Smith couldn’t quite clutch it.
Here’s the yellow card incident.
Dreadful start for Los Pumas 🟨
— ITV Rugby (@ITVRugby) July 18, 2026
Mateo Carreras meets the yellow card threshold for his tackle on Freeman, and Argentina are down to 14. #NationsChampionship pic.twitter.com/qwXhefRbdi
YELLOW CARD! Argentina 0-12 England, 24 minutes
20:42 , Harry Latham-Coyle
“He’s bent at the waist, and the ball carrier is falling,” referee Angus Gardner says. “I don’t see this as foul play.” Brett Cronan feels differently. The TMO wins the argument...eventually.
It meets the yellow card threshold. Mateo Carreras is off to the sin bin; the decision off to the foul play review officer. One imagines it will stay a yellow but a big blow to Argentina regardless.
Namesake Santiago Carreras compounds matters by putting the restart out on the full. Sloppy.
TRY! Argentina 0-12 ENGLAND (Ben Earl, 24 minutes)
20:39 , Harry Latham-Coyle
A superb score! Ben Earl finishes it off but give the credit to Immanuel Feyi-Waboso!
The England wing is absolutely flying here. He bursts through a gap, swipes away two more tacklers and gives Earl a run in.
The conversion goes over – but TMO Brett Cronan wants to look at a possible high tackle from Mateo Carreras.
Argentina 0-5 England, 22 minutes
20:37 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Ellis Genge clearly wants to get into Tomas Rapetti, but that is a second penalty against the England loosehead at the scrum. Angle the call – yep, Genge looked to step out and then drive across. Argentina clear up to halfway.
Argentina 0-5 England, 21 minutes
20:35 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Ellis Genge! A rhino on the charge as the prop metes out his own brand of muscular mischief, given a run-up and boshing back two Argentines. But neither side can hang on to the ball! Ollie Chessum is flung a wide pass and fails to take it.
Argentina 0-5 England, 19 minutes
20:34 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Anything you can do, Mateo Carreras says to his opposite number. The Argentina left wing produces his own rambling, rough run, dealing out a bit of damage on his way through.
A canny tugback from Ellis Genge on the supporting players goes unspotted, and Carreras knocks on as Marcus Smith finally chops him down.
Argentina 0-5 England, 17 minutes
20:32 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Immanuel Feyi-Waboso is flying here. England need a man to extricate them after Tomas Albornoz tries to trap them in, and Feyi-Waboso obliges, first showing off his speed to outrun the chasers and then his strength, bursting between two would-be tacklers. Danger averted.
Argentina 0-5 England, 16 minutes
20:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle
A spot of scrum joy for the hosts, Ellis Genge and Joe Heyes folding to floor on the engagement. They are not happy; Argentina very much are. Up into the England half they march again.
Argentina 0-5 England, 15 minutes
20:28 , Harry Latham-Coyle
That’s not Slade’s best moment, mind, tossing a pass on the deck and forcing Exeter teammate Immanuel Feyi-Waboso to retreat, retrieve and retool. A knock-on in contact soon halts affairs. Scrappy.
Argentina 0-5 England, 12 minutes
20:27 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Argentina will be frustrated to have come away without points from that first foray into the 22. Could they have taken the three? The pressure had built, I suppose, through the series of penalties but it feels costly.
They work a few phases on the England 10-metre line but eventually run aground, Mateo Carreras turtled and turned over with Henry Slade covering the 13 channel expertly. Slade thought his England career might be done after these two met in November – it looks like he’s got a lot left in the tank.
Argentina 0-5 England, 11 minutes
20:25 , Harry Latham-Coyle
A free kick allows England an easy clearance. Tomas Rapetti not binding in the correct time or manner.
A few Argentina fans have banners referencing the Falkland Islands, as you might expect.
Argentina 0-5 England, 10 minutes
20:24 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Bright interplay as Argentina work pretty shapes on the right...until there’s a knock-on! Immanuel Feyi-Waboso with another vital tackle in there with the England wing doing the necessary defensive work sharply and strongly.
The knock-on came from Marcos Kremer, not quite grasping a flick off the floor from Julian Montoya. A bit of a let-off for England, but they’ll have a scrum and survive.
Argentina 0-5 England, 9 minutes
20:22 , Harry Latham-Coyle
England infringe, George Martin deemed to have collapsed the maul. That’s four penalisable offences in quick succession. Jamie George is warned by referee Angus Gardner.
A great hit from Immanuel Feyi-Waboso on Santiago Carreras prevents the advantage from being converted. The hosts will return to that left corner.
Argentina 0-5 England, 8 minutes
20:21 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Prodded to the left corner. Argentina will go to their maul.
Argentina 0-5 England, 7 minutes
20:20 , Harry Latham-Coyle
And an offside penalty against Guy Pepper will allow Argentina to play with the freedom of advantage. Santi Carreras spreads it to Bautista Delguy, well marshalled down the right. Guido Petti carries strongly as Argentina keep the move rolling.
That’s nice, working the play out the back to launch Delguy behind a dummy runner...but there’s a knock on. Back for the pen.
Argentina 0-5 England, 6 minutes
20:19 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Right, attacking ball for Argentina after punting the penalty into England’s 22.
TRY! Argentina 0-5 ENGLAND (Tommy Freeman, 5 minutes)
20:18 , Harry Latham-Coyle
A lovely take and try from Tommy Freeman...and then some Argie bargy!
A perfect crossfield kick from Fin Smith allows Freeman to attack it in the air, take over the top of his marker and power into the corner. There’s handbags thereafter, and we’ll restart with a penalty with Ollie Chessum deemed to have charged in from distance to escalate matters.
No doubts over the try, though. Fin Smith can’t quite find the conversion from the right touchline.
Argentina 0-0 England, 3 minutes
20:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Another early touch for Feyi-Waboso, launched into the line from first phase. Advantage is coming – Marcos Kremer fails to roll away and that’s two against the openside in the first couple of minutes...
Argentina 0-0 England, 2 minutes
20:14 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Rock solid, and away England play to the right, allowing Tommy Freeman an early charge. Seb Atkinson still has the scrum cap on after taking a bang last week.
A fumble from Marcus Smith stalls momentum but Ollie Chessum does a superb job to regather it, driving the legs through contact and making 15 metres. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso then produces a darting weave, before knocking on.
There’s a penalty to come back to, though. Fin Smith probes the left corner. Promising from England.
Argentina 0-0 England, 1 minute
20:13 , Harry Latham-Coyle
A short, stubby kick off targets Jamie George, to who those same descriptions might apply. The England captain does just enough to force a knock on from Bautista Delguy. A scrum, immediately – can the visitors get some joy?
KICK OFF!
20:12 , Harry Latham-Coyle
A blast on Angus Gardner’s whistle and off we go.
Argentina vs England
20:09 , Harry Latham-Coyle
The place is absolutely bouncing. Emmanuel Iyogun looks emotional as the prop sings “God Save the King” before his international debut, a tear rolling the cheek of the Northampton front rower.
The eyes are pouring on a few of the Argentina side, too, for the ever entertaining and passionately delivered Himno Nacional. The slow build, the operatic middle section, the swell to crescendo – the extended, three and a half minute version is given full works. A beauty.
Right, they are ready. This could be very fun indeed.
Argentina vs England
20:04 , Harry Latham-Coyle
No jeers for the Pumas, in their change strip today – which is a replica football shirt from the 1986 World Cup. Maradona, Hand of God and all that, yes – lovely stuff.
Argentina vs England
20:03 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Out the England players come to what sounds like whistles. There is at least one travelling fan in – he’s waving his English flag proudly.
It’s a lovely arena this, perfectly round but very impressive from the air.
Argentina vs England match officials
19:59 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Referee: Angus Gardner (Aus)
ARs: Nika Amashukeli (Geo) & Paul Williams (NZ)
TMO: Brett Cronan (Aus)
FPRO: Tual Trainini (Fra)
England's excellent recent record
19:50 , Harry Latham-Coyle
England have a fine recent record against Argentina, five wins from five since Steve Borthwick took over at the start of 2023. That run began with George Ford’s masterclass in Marseille after Tom Curry’s early red card, and continued last summer through two Tests that England played very, very well in without their British and Irish Lions representatives. Argentina may feel due a success, mind, given they’ve run England close several times across those five games.
Battle in the air
19:40 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Fiji weren’t up to much, really, last week but England were professional and potent in the manner in which they dismissed them. It just all felt a little bit more cohesive from Steve Borthwick’s side than the week before, partly because of the opposition and an extra week together, but also because the backline felt better balanced – even allowing for a bit of injury disruption.
Tommy Freeman went well on the wing and has a size advantage over the (nonetheless dangerous) Mateo Carreras – I’d expect England to try and get him after a few high balls early on, certainly. The continued selection of Marcus Smith at full-back ahead of Freddie Steward may suggest, though, that England think it may be a slightly more open game.
Back five battle
19:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Argentina’s back five remains fearsome, big, tough, physical and athletic and more than a match for England’s unit. Joaquin Oviedo was a carrying menace against Wales a week ago, and marries nicely with defensive nuisance Marcos Kremer – such a big figure for Argentina when fit and available.
I really like the look of Efrain Elias, too, with the young lock an age-grade standout who Felipe Contepomi is clearly keen on. Joaquin Moro had a good season with Leicester and will be tasked with matching the impact that Henry Pollock and Tom Curry might provide.
Team news – England
19:20 , Harry Latham-Coyle
England stick with a settled side as Steve Borthwick names an unchanged starting XV. The head coach resists the urge to bring Benhard Janse van Rensburg to the centres as Seb Atkinson and Henry Slade start again, while both Henry Pollock and Noah Caluori also remain among the replacements after eye-catching cameos against Fiji.
The two changes to the 23 do come on the bench, where Ben Spencer replaces an injured Alex Mitchell and uncapped loosehead Emmanuel Iyogun awaits a debut. George Kloska is also involved in a late change with Asher Opoku-Fordjour injured.
England XV: 1 Ellis Genge, 2 Jamie George (capt.), 3 Joe Heyes; 4 Alex Coles, 5 George Martin; 6 Ollie Chessum, 7 Guy Pepper, 8 Ben Earl; 9 Jack van Poortvliet, 10 Fin Smith; 11 Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, 12 Seb Atkinson, 13 Henry Slade, 14 Tommy Freeman; 15 Marcus Smith.
Replacements: 16 Luke Cowan-Dickie, 17 Emmanuel Iyogun, 18 George Kloska, 19 Tom Curry, 20 Henry Pollock; 21 Ben Spencer, 22 Benhard Janse van Rensburg, 23 Noah Caluori.
Team news – Argentina
19:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Argentina blend youth and plenty of experience in a strong looking side. Highly-touted tighthead Tomas Rapetti gets another chance to augur his burgeoning reputation with a start, while locks Guido Petti and Matias Alemanno have both brought up 100 caps in the last few weeks.
Matias Moroni adds more veteran nous to midfield, while six forwards await on the bench – including young lock Efrain Elias, like Rapetti part of the Toulouse squad that won the Top 14.
Argentina XV: 1 Mayco Vivas, 2 Julian Montoya (capt.), 3 Tomas Rapetti; 4 Guido Petti, 5 Matias Alemanno; 6 Santiago Grondona, 7 Marcos Kremer, 8 Joaquin Oviedo; 9 Gonzalo Garcia, 10 Tomas Albornoz; 11 Mateo Carreras, 12 Justo Piccardo, 13 Matias Moroni, 14 Bautista Delguy; 15 Santiago Carreras.
Replacements: 16 Ignacio Ruiz, 17 Boris Wenger, 18 Pedro Delgado, 19 Efrain Elias, 20 Pablo Matera, 21 Joaquin Moro; 22 Simon Benitez Cruz, 23 Lucio Cinti.
Jamie George threatens England walk-off over racial abuse in Argentina
19:10 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Jamie George has threatened to lead his England team off the pitch against the Pumas on Saturday if there is a recurrence of the racial abuse that marred their last appearance in Argentina.
Asher Opoku-Fordjour and Chandler Cunningham-South were targeted by a small group of fans when warming up with their fellow replacements during the first half of England’s 22-17 victory in San Juan a year ago.
A World Rugby investigation concluded that an act of racial discrimination had taken place and the Argentine Rugby Union has provided assurances that it was a one-off episode.
If a similar incident does unfold at the Estadio Unico Madre de Ciudades, George insists England are ready to take matters into their own hands – including the possibility of leading the team into the changing room.
Jamie George threatens England walk-off over racial abuse in Argentina
Nations Championship schedule, results, kick-off times and how to watch
19:05 , Harry Latham-Coyle
This is the final game of the first phase of the Nations Championship, which has been...pretty good? One can still ask if the new competition was necessary but we’ve seen a lot of entertaining rugby and intriguing encounters over the last few weeks, with more to come in November.
Nations Championship schedule, results, kick-off times and how to watch
Argentina coach Felipe Contepomi accuses ‘bully’ Tom Curry of shove in tunnel after England win
18:55 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Perhaps the most notable thing from that clash was the accusation of Felipe Contepomi, who suggested that he’d been shoved in the tunnel by “bully” Tom Curry. We’ll see what reception the flanker gets when introduced today.
Argentina coach Contepomi accuses ‘bully’ Curry of shove in tunnel after England win
When last they met...
18:50 , Harry Latham-Coyle
England and Argentina’s last meeting came in November, and was a properly compelling contest, swinging this way and that with Max Ojomoh – seldom sighted in England camp since – to the fore.
England survive late Argentina scare as Max Ojomoh underlines new-found strength
Click here to read the full blog on The Independent's website
