Argentina’s controversial disallowed try ignites Nations Championship finale

A contentious late decision by referee Angus Gardner, disallowing a potential game-winning try for Argentina, overshadowed England’s 31-24 victory in a high-octane Nations Championship encounter. The final play, which involved two dangerous tackles on Bautista Delguy, denied Los Pumas a probable penalty try and fueled significant frustration among the Argentine squad and fans.

The match, marked by constant tension and scuffles, saw England convert opportunities more effectively, particularly in the first half, despite both teams battling fiercely for dominance.

First-Half English Efficiency

England established a commanding 19-3 lead by halftime, capitalizing on their visits to Argentina's 22-meter line. Their opening score came early when Fin Smith executed a precise cross-kick for Tommy Freeman, who successfully out-jumped Santiago Carreras for the try first time England got inside opposition's 22.

Twenty minutes later, Ben Earl extended England's lead. Following a strong break by Welshman Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, Earl powered through a tackle attempt from Tomás Albornoz to touch down.

Argentina's struggles were compounded by a yellow card to Mateo Carreras for head contact during a tackle. While one player down, Julián Montoya opted for points, and Albornoz converted a penalty, securing Los Pumas' only points of the first half and narrowing the score to 12-3.

English scrum dominance became increasingly evident, culminating in a push-over try for Ben Earl in the 32nd minute after the Pumas' scrum was obliterated Ben Earl scored a push-over try. Smith converted both of Earl's tries, contributing significantly to the 19-3 advantage.

Argentina's Second-Half Resurgence

The second half began with immediate Argentine impact. Mateo Carreras scored just three minutes in, supported by Santiago Grondona, after a lineout and maul attack Mateo Carreras going over. This try injected renewed energy into the Estadio Único Madre de Ciudades crowd.

The home fans grew louder twelve minutes later as Argentina secured a penalty try. Alex Coles was yellow-carded for knocking down a pass from Tomás Albornoz, who had broken the line and was inches from scoring a penalty try with Alex Coles shown a yellow card. England scrum-half Jack van Poortvliet had also received a yellow card minutes earlier, further reducing England’s numbers.

Argentina leveraged their numerical advantage, with Mayco Vivas scoring another try after a strong maul from a lineout. Albornoz converted, narrowing England's lead to 24-21.

The game remained tight, with Steward and Albornoz exchanging penalties, moving the score to 27-24 in England's favor. Freddie Steward then sealed the win with a crucial try in the 78th minute.

Controversial Final Play

The most significant drama unfolded in the game's dying moments. With time expired, Argentina launched a final assault. Bautista Delguy received the ball near the try line but was hit high by Noah Caluori, who made contact with his neck. As he continued toward the corner flag, Henry Slade made contact with Delguy’s head, bringing him down as he attempted to ground the ball Slade made contact with Delguy’s head.

Referee Angus Gardner chose not to award a penalty try, a decision that deeply frustrated the Argentine team. According to World Rugby Law 8.3, a penalty try must be awarded if foul play, such as a high tackle, prevents a probable try from being scored Law 8.3, a penalty try must be awarded. The official ruling on the field was a knock-on by Delguy, despite the clear high contact. This outcome leaves a lingering question mark over the decisive moments of an otherwise thrilling match in the Nations Championship. For live rugby scores from other fixtures, check our live rugby scores page. Previous coverage of England hold off Argentina in Nations Championship and England overcome Argentina in chaos-filled Nations Championship also detailed dramatic contests between these two nations.