Wales 28 - 13 Argentina - Post Match Discussion

BBC IPLAYER
http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b013rl7k/Rugby_Union_2011_2012_Wales_v_Argentina/

Wales completed their World Cup warm-ups with a hard-fought win over Argentina at the Millennium Stadium.

Felipe Contepomi struck the opening penalty, but Wales were 14-3 ahead at the break though Andy Powell and Alun Wyn Jones tries.

James Hook added both conversions and two penalties before George North crossed.

Martin Scelzo went over for the Pumas late on, but Hook's late penalty sealed Wales' win.

Adam Jones impressed on his return to the Welsh front-row following a toe injury.

But another member of Wales' Jones contingent was not so fortunate with the hosts forced into a bench reshuffle before kick-off when Stephen Jones withdrew with a recurrence of his calf problem.

The fly-half had been set to become Wales' most-capped player, making his 101s appearance, but instead centre Scott Williams took his place amongst the replacements.

Contepomi had the first chance of points, but the Pumas captain sent the penalty kick across the face of the Wales posts.

A snap drop-goal also drifted wide as Argentina kept Wales pinned in their own half with some fierce first-up tackling.

But when Rodrigo Roncero was penalised for pulling down a scrum James Hook was able to kick Wales into the visitors' 22 for the first time.

A series of drives opened a gap on the right and Lee Byrne made the extra man to send the ball on to Leigh Halfpenny.

The wing, back in the side after a long-term ankle injury made for the corner, but was dragged down just short.

When Wales ere caught offside Cont was handed another penalty and this time sent the ball over the bar, although off the inside of a post.

But the A fly-half missed a third attempt soon after the half hour mark and Wales him pay with two tries in quick succession.

First Powell charged across the line when scrum-half Knoyle sniped around a ruck before linking with AWJ who sent his number eight away.

Then it was lock Jones' turn to cross after a 30-yard break by wing George North, the beneficiary of some hard driving by Dan Lydiate and quick hands from Jamie Roberts.

Hook converted both tries and Wales were able to scamper off at half-time with a healthy 14-3 lead.

The Wales fly-half added two penalties soon after the break when referee Romain Poite penalised the Pumas for wheeling a scrum and then hands in the ruck.

Contepomi kicked his second penalty to make it 20-6, but with the lead still comfortable Wales coach Warren Gatland opted to freshen things from the bench.

Among the arrivals was Cardiff Blues scrum-half Lloyd Williams to win his first cap, following in the footsteps of ex-Wales and British Irish Lions number nine Brynmor Williams.

Lloyd Williams replaced the excellent Knoyle who must surely have booked his World Cup place.

Another youngster, Opsreys flanker Justin Tipuric, also came on for his Test debut to replace the 35-year-old stand-in skipper Martyn Williams.

Cardiff Blues flanker Williams was winning his 99th cap and still hopeful of more at the World Cup.

Wales rubber stamped their dominance with a third try as Jonathan Davies' clever inside flick found North, who crashed over from close range.

Argentina rallied to threaten the Wales line in the dying moments, shoving replacement prop Martin Scelzo over.

Hook added a late penalty to make Wales' lead 28-13 and send them off to the 11 September clash with South Africa in good heart.

Just enjoying the pre-match interviews by Tom Shanklin with the Welsh squad

That was very good by Shanklin i thought. Has a future in that

Yeah, I wouldn't be surprised to see him doing BBC Wales rugby coverage at least.

I hope so, he is a lovely charachter

Yeah top bloke is Shanks. I'd like to see Martyn Williams make his 100th cap one day too. Awh Stods sat up in the stands. That must be frustrating for injured players to watch games.

Elsewhere, I'm having to try and concentrate on the TV whilst my next door neighbours do DIY against the wall

Luckily i dont have that prob Cari, my neighbours are on holidays

Bah I'm missing Quinell and Greenwood from last week .

i do have a tv license but im abroad. can i still use this?

ooh look at those fisty cuffs between the Argies and Wales in the 90s!

Kingjohn - you won't pick it up abroad through the BBC website.

Cari wrote:Elsewhere, I'm having to try and concentrate on the TV whilst my next door neighbours do DIY against the wall

Tell them Wales are playing, there is no traffic about where I live their either in the pub or in front of the Tv

Phew JD not Brian Moore, one piece of good news.

One piece of bad news is a French referee which means he will be on first name terms with most of the Argentina players!

Thankfully there's only some pride at steak here...

Anyone, is the myp2p website down? I can't pick it up anymore.

Cari wrote:Thankfully there's only some pride at steak here...

Anyone, is the myp2p website down? I can't pick it up anymore.

I put a BBC link in my first post Cari

Yeah I don't need it for this Alyn, I use myp2p to watch Gaelic sports, and if it's been removed I'll be most upset.

Awh bless the Argies, they get so emotional in the anthem.

Pretty happy with the Wales team, if we can get pairity up front we are capable of scoring tries.

Cari wrote:Awh bless the Argies, they get so emotional in the anthem.

Pretty sure their thinking about vengeance for the Falklands

Ah! Sorted! The p2p front page is down at the moment. Pheeew!

OK, GAME ON!!!

ooh oh dear. Puma's have an excellent start.

Gret kick from Hook. Wales in a very good position now.

All, the Chat box is open too

Hmmm looks like Jimbo really wants to keep that 10 shirt

ooh bum pass, but Wales still in possession. They need to get a score out of this.

For a team that hasnt played together for nearly a year, Argentina are looking quite good.

They are Billy. Good defence from them so far. This is their only warm up game as well before the WC.

Jiffy's already said "numbehs"

Hibbard better sort his lineout if he wants to be first choice for the World Cup, not looking good at all.

You can see in defence were missing Warburton and Faletau. Powell and Williams are much slower and it shows.

I never underestimate Argentina (as an Irishman i cant ) but they are playing some very good rugby and asking alot of questions of the Welsh defence.

That was a great tackle on Powell.

Very unlucky then Wales. Cool head and it was a try

Good opportunity missed there. If JD had caught that...

whats the attendance roughly?

Not sure King.

Argentina should ideally be six points up.

kingjohn7 wrote:whats the attendance roughly?

65,00-68,000 by the look of it.

No less than that I reckon Alyn - probably more like 57K or thereabouts.

If i was a Welsh fan i would be nervous right now.

eirebilly wrote:If i was a Welsh fan i would be nervous right now.

Wales wont wake up until the second half to be honest. Nothing unexpected about whats happening so far.

Another great kick from Hook. Wales in a great attacking position now

Another super kick from Jimbo. Dere 'mlaen bechgyn!!!

Score please.
Not watching this one yet.

Taylor - still nil all.

still 0-0

Jonathan Davies is having a stinker.

I thought Arg were going to be rusty if you listened to every rugby pundit and fellow 606ers veiws, they're anything but rusty, they play he game as it should be played under control and by keeping it simple.

Worried England fan.

so's Paul James.

Taylorman wrote:Score please.
Not watching this one yet.

Obviously does not subscribe to the Rugby Channel

AlynDavies wrote:

eirebilly wrote:If i was a Welsh fan i would be nervous right now.

Wales wont wake up until the second half to be honest. Nothing unexpected about whats happening so far.

I dont understand that. Wales have been together for a while and have played many competitive games this year. Argentina havent played 1 competitive game this year. I think i would be worried because Argentina are gelling well.
I still expect Wales to win but they are not having a good game so far. They badly miss Warbaton.

Bath - maybe the fact the Pumas have had a rest more than other nation players has been an advantage to them?

eirebilly wrote:I dont understand that. Wales have been together for a while and have played many competitive games this year. Argentina havent played 1 competitive game this year. I think i would be worried because Argentina are gelling well.
I still expect Wales to win but they are not having a good game so far. They badly miss Warbaton.

I agree Williams isnt effective anymore. And Powell is no replacement for Faletau either.
Were missing them badly to be honest.

The Argies are really aggressive and competitive at the breakdown, perhaps guilty of going off their feet a bit... however they are giving Wales nothing but scraps to work with.

I like Argentina from a rugby perspective they show everything that is wrong with the game in the NH, everything is over complecated and everyone is over coached.

C'mon Argentina.

ooh that hit the post and went the right way for the Pumas. we have pointage!