- George Ford celebrated his 100th Test appearance with 15 points.
- England overcame a tough first half, down to 13 men.
- Three quick tries in the second half boosted England’s victory.
- Tom Roebuck’s brace highlighted England’s offensive resurgence.
- Ford’s drop goal proved pivotal at halftime.
George Ford Celebrates Milestone Match with Victory
England’s George Ford was understandably delighted following his team’s impressive 35-12 triumph over Argentina, especially considering it was his 100th Test appearance. Ford, who scored a total of 15 points during the match, took center stage in La Plata as he successfully guided a makeshift lineup which was shorthanded at times. The team faced significant challenges in the first half, where they were temporarily down to 13 players, but turned it around dramatically in the second half, showing resilience and attacking prowess.
First Half Struggles Lead to Strong Comeback
In the initial half, England struggled, giving away numerous penalties that kept them in their territory. Co-captain Jamie George and Ford worked valiantly during these trials. Their efforts paid off in the second half as England stormed through with tries from Tom Roebuck, who scored twice, and Freddie Steward, before Cadan Murley capped off the scoring, showcasing their newfound attacking capabilities post-break. Ford’s timely drop goal had given England a slim lead at halftime.
England’s Second Half Surge Secures Dominant Win
The turning point came after the interval, as England shifted into a more dynamic style of play, scoring three tries within the first nine minutes of the second half. Roebuck’s rush over the line was immediately followed by a strong play from Ford, leading to a try from Steward. Although Argentina made a brief shout for a comeback with tries from Pablo Matera and Pedro Rubiolo, Ford’s two long-range penalties anchored England’s efforts, allowing Murley to slot in the final try for a resounding away victory.
George Ford’s milestone match was highlighted by an impressive second-half performance, transitioning from a challenging first half to a powerful victory. England, despite facing yellow cards and pressure from Argentina, showcased their ability to adapt and capitalize on scoring opportunities. Ford’s leadership and strategic kicking were key elements that propelled England, setting a positive tone for upcoming challenges in their campaign.