Rugby teams would much rather play in the World Cup final than in the match for third place, but England and Argentina ensured an action-packed battle at the Stade de France.
Although it initially seemed that the Roses would run away with the showdown, the South Americans did not lie down and launched a spirited comeback.
They did not leave the Englishmen out for a moment and if the game had been just a few minutes longer, they might have come out victorious.
But when Nic Berry blew his final whistle the score was 26 – 23 in England’s favor and a tired Owen Farrell could celebrate the victory with his teammates.
Despite the crowd who booed them regularly, Farrell’s accurate set-piece work and Ben Earl’s great run meant that England enjoyed a comfortable lead of 16 – 3 early in the game.
However, the Pumas play with passion and they wanted to return to Argentina with something tangible; A bronze medal would also look good in a display case, wouldn’t it?
The South Americans scored tries just before and after half-time and Emiliano Boffelli’s kicking work meant that the scoreboard kept going.
They gained 405m in attack compared to England’s 288m, while they caught the Rose defenders in the air 34 times.
At the same time, they also scrummed with more enthusiasm and made things difficult for their opponents at the breakdown points.
Nicholas Sanchez even had a chance to equalize late in the game, but he was not successful with his set-piece attempt.
Were England lucky to win this one?
Sure.
Would it have been more fun if Argentina had won?
Definitely.
But the play of Sam Underhill and Earl was ultimately decisive in the Rose’s victory.
- Scorers:
England: Tries: Ben Earl and Theo Dan. Goals: Owen Farrell (2). Penalties: Farrell (4).
Argentina: Tries: Tomas Cubelli and Santiago Carreras. Goals: Emiliano Boffelli (2). Penalty kicks: Boffelli (2) and Nicholas Sanchez.
