England have claimed victory in their Test series against Argentina, winning 22-17 in the second game in San Juan on Saturday night.
In La Plata last week, 100-cap George Ford inspired England to an impressive win and he lead by example once again, getting the visitors back on level terms early in the second half before Jack van Poortvliet scored a try with seconds left on the clock to secure a 2-0 series win.
Only once before had the two sides drawn a Test match. A record that has stood for 44 years was on the verge of being broken until replacements Guy Pepper and van Poortvliet combined to great effect.
Argentina had defended resolutely throughout the second half, but just couldn’t hold on for a draw as their long wait for a win over England on home soil continues.
For England, it’s another impressive win. Already without 13 players due to the ongoing British and Irish Lions tour of Australia, head coach Steve Borthwick lost Jamie George just hours before kick-off in San Juan.
Add George’s absence to Henry Slade being ruled out through injury, it was once again an inexperienced XV named by Borthwick.
However, the tourists made a fast start and had a try inside four minutes. Ford's pinpoint cross field kick was plucked form the air by Tom Roebuck, who fed debutant Luke Northmore before the latter put fellow centre Seb Atkinson in for the score.
England were reduced to 14 players when Ben Curry was penalised for a high tackle and after Santiago Carrera landed a penalty for the home side, they hit back with a try.
Scrum-half Simon Benitez Cruz managed to hold on to a loose ball and following his darting run, he released Cinti to dot down.
England showed excellent handling skills to score their second try as they moved the ball first one way and then the next, pulling Argentina defenders into a narrow formation and allowing Steward to canter over in the left corner.
Argentina scored their second try on the stroke of halftime as Steward failed to deal with a chip over the England backline as the ball nicked the post and fell kindly for Mendy to dot down for a 17-14 lead.
Ford's penalty was reward for heavy English pressure early in the second half as he levelled the score.
Argentina were having difficulty with their exits from their own 22, which meant they were constantly under pressure, and it tolled as Pepper broke and fed Van Poortvliet to snatch victory at the death.
Additional reporting by Reuters.
