So, England managed to hold on and secure a hard-fought win against Argentina in the Rugby World Cup third place playoff. It’s the first time England has finished in third place at the tournament, and they did it by withstanding a barrage of late attacks from the Argentinian team. The final score was 26-23 in England’s favor, but it was a nail-biting match until the very end.
After their heartbreaking defeat in the semifinals last week, England was determined to end their World Cup campaign on a positive note. And they did just that, although it wasn’t an easy task. Argentina put up a spirited fightback, but England managed to keep them at bay.
The hero of the match was England’s captain, Owen Farrell. His accurate kicking proved to be the difference-maker, as he scored four penalties and two conversions, totaling 16 points. On the other hand, Nicolas Sanchez of Argentina missed a crucial late kick that could have leveled the scores.
But it wasn’t just Farrell who shone in the match. England flanker Sam Underhill, who was a late addition to the squad, delivered an outstanding performance. He made an impressive 24 tackles and was rightfully awarded the man of the match.
Both teams approached the match with utmost respect, despite it being the playoff for third place. The physicality and commitment displayed by the players were evident from the start. It was clear that they wanted to end their World Cup journey on a high note.
The previous encounter between England and Argentina in the group stage resulted in a comfortable 27-10 victory for England. However, this match was much closer. England took an early lead with a penalty from Farrell and a try from Ben Earl, converted by Farrell. But Argentina fought back with a try from Tomas Cubelli, making the score 16-10 at halftime.
The second half started explosively, with Santiago Carreras scoring a try for Argentina. However, England quickly responded with a try from hooker Theo Dan, who made up for his defensive lapse. The match remained tense, with penalties from both sides narrowing the gap.
With five minutes left on the clock, Argentina had a chance to level the scores with a penalty. But Sanchez’s kick went wide, and England held on to secure the victory.
Although it may not be the ultimate prize, finishing in third place is still an achievement for England. They ended the tournament with six wins out of seven games and can proudly wear their bronze medals.
After the match, Farrell expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance and their ability to fight until the end. He emphasized the importance of showing resilience in scrappy games like this one.
England coach Steve Borthwick acknowledged that it wasn’t a game of exceptional quality but praised both teams for their progress throughout the tournament. He commended Argentina for their performance and resilience.
As for Argentina coach Michael Cheika, he expressed his disappointment with the officiating but praised his team for staying in the game. Cheika’s future with the team remains uncertain, with reports suggesting that Felipe Contepomi may replace him as coach.
Overall, it was a thrilling match that showcased the determination and skill of both teams. England can be proud of their third-place finish, and Argentina can hold their heads high for their performance throughout the tournament. It may not have been the final they hoped for, but it was a memorable battle on the rugby field.