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Matera (51'), Rubiolo (60')
Tries
Roebuck (41', 48'), Steward (45'), Murley (74')
Carreras (60')
Conversions
Ford (46', 49', 75')
Penalties
Ford (64', 68')
On a landmark day for George Ford, England secured a commanding victory over Argentina in La Plata.
It was fitting on Ford's milestone 100th Test cap that England delivered a masterclass in composure and control, orchestrated by the Sale Sharks fly-half, who scored 15 points, including an early drop goal. Steve Borthwick’s side showed grit and flair to take a 1–0 lead in the two-match series.
Player of the match Tom Roebuck excelled on debut with two dynamic tries as his fearless kick chase and finishing were a testament to his potential.
Full-back Freddie Steward also impressed, combining strong aerial work with intelligent support play. Among the forwards, Tom Willis was a standout at No. 8, with 20 hard yards and 17 tackles.
England’s victory, achieved without their Lions contingent, sent a clear signal that this is not a side missing key stars, but one instead building depth.
Resilient defence from 13-man England kept Argentina at bay
The opening 40 minutes were a tight, disciplined arm-wrestle. The Pumas threatened repeatedly, but England’s resolute defence held firm. Twice the visitors repelled Argentine efforts over the line, even while reduced to 13 men following yellow cards for Alex Coles and debutante Seb Atkinson.
In a rare bright moment for the visitors, Roebuck’s charge-down provided territory for Ford to slot a 20th-minute drop-goal. England’s tight grip earned a slender, yet priceless, 3–0 lead into the interval.
Attacking precision paid dividends for ruthless England
The tone shifted dramatically after half-time. Within 120 seconds, Roebuck capitalised on a slick breakdown ball, diving in from the corner with Ford's conversion making it 10–0.
Soon after, a perfectly weighted pass from Ford released Steward, and another break down the flank allowed Roebuck to score a brace. At 22–0, England had firmly seized control.
Argentina finally answered with tries from Pablo Matera and Pedro Rubiolo, narrowing the margin to 10 points. But Ford, unruffled, responded with two penalties to push the lead back beyond comfort. And when Harlequins' flyer Cadan Murley plunged over late, the game was wrapped up at 35–12.
Argentina Starting XV (1-15) Mayco Vivas, Julian Montoya, Pedro Delgado, Lucas Paulos, Pedro Rubiolo, Pablo Matera, Juan Martin Gonzalez, Facundo Isa, Gonzalo Bertranou, Santiago Carreras, Santiago Cordero, Justo Piccardo, Lucio Cinti, Rodrigo Isgro, Benjamin Elizalde
Argentina Replacements (16-23) Bautista Bernasconi, Thomas Gallo, Francisco Coria Marchetti, Santiago Grondona, Joaquin Moro, Simon Benitez Cruz, Nicolas Roger, Matias Moroni
England Starting XV (1-15) Fin Baxter, Jamie George, Joe Heyes, Charlie Ewels, Alex Coles, Ben Curry, Sam Underhill, Tom Willis, Ben Spencer, George Ford, Will Muir, Seb Atkinson, Henry Slade, Tom Roebuck, Freddie Steward
England Replacements (16-23) Theo Dan, Bevan Rodd, Asher Opoku-Fordjour, Chandler Cunningham-South, Guy Pepper, Alex Dombrandt, Jack van Poortvliet, Cadan Murley
