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‘Argentina 23-26 England: England overcome Pumas to win Rugby World Cup bronze-medal match’

In a thrilling encounter at the Stade de France, England narrowly defeated Argentina to secure third place in the Rugby World Cup. The match was a testament to the resilience and determination of both teams, with England ultimately emerging as the victors.

The game started strongly for England, with Ben Earl scoring an early try to give his team a 13-0 lead. However, Argentina fought back valiantly, scoring two tries through Tomas Cubelli and Santiago Carreras to briefly take the lead. England’s Theo Dan then made a crucial play, charging down a kick and crossing the try line to put his team back in front.

The match remained closely contested throughout, with Owen Farrell’s accurate kicking keeping England ahead. Nicolas Sanchez of Argentina also contributed with his penalty kicks, ensuring a nervy finale. In the dying minutes, Argentina launched a spirited assault on England’s line, but Sanchez missed a penalty that would have tied the scores, allowing England to secure the win.

For England, it was a relief to end their campaign on a high note. Their journey in the Rugby World Cup began with a victory over Argentina seven weeks ago, and it ended in a similar fashion. Despite facing numerous challenges, including a red card and a series of defeats, England showed resilience and determination throughout the tournament.

Several young players impressed in this match, showcasing their potential for future inclusion in the team. Hooker Dan stood out with his energy and work rate, while Marcus Smith displayed his attacking prowess. Although not all of his ideas paid off, Smith’s creativity was evident.

There had been speculation that Henry Arundell, who scored five tries in a previous match, could challenge the national record for tries in a single World Cup. However, he had a quiet game and even gave away a penalty with a poor kick.

Despite the strain they faced towards the end of the match, England started strongly, setting the tone from the first whistle. Tom Curry, playing in his 50th cap, made his presence felt by forcing an early penalty. Earl, another standout performer for England, scored the team’s first try with an impressive line off Smith’s pass.

Argentina, buoyed by a supportive crowd, fought back after a slow start. They showed great determination and were able to narrow England’s lead before half-time. The second half saw a flurry of converted tries, with Dan involved in the action at both ends of the field.

Overall, the match was a fitting end to England’s Rugby World Cup campaign. They demonstrated their ability to overcome adversity and finish on a high note. The victory against Argentina showcased the potential of young players and provided hope for the future of English rugby.

By Mike HensonBBC Sport at Stade de France27 October 2023, 21:57 BSTUpdated 1 hour ago