Argentina secure five-try victory over Wales in Nations Championship
Argentina defeated Wales in the Nations Championship in San Juan, securing a five-try victory. The home side’s performance showcased pace, power, and guile, proving too much for the Welsh squad. This result followed Argentina’s opening tournament defeat against Scotland, which they overcame with a dominant display.
Number eight Joaquin Oviedo scored two tries for Argentina. Other try-scorers included centre Justo Piccardo, flanker Marcos Kremer, and full-back Santiago Carreras. Fly-half Tomas Albornoz contributed 10 points through conversions.
Wales initially took the lead with a try from captain Dewi Lake. Rhys Carre and Ben Warren also scored tries for the visitors, with Sam Costelow converting three. Despite a rally in the final quarter, Wales could not overcome Argentina’s lead.
Match Details and Squad Changes
The match was held at the Estadio San Juan del Bicentenario in San Juan, a city in western Argentina. This marked Argentina’s eighth official match in the city and the second time they had faced Wales there. The venue, with approximately 25,000 seats, was not at full capacity for the game.
Wales head coach Steve Tandy made three changes to his side. Ellis Mee started on the wing, with Louis Rees-Zammit moving to the bench. Sam Costelow replaced Dan Edwards at fly-half, and James Botham came in for Alex Mann in the flanker position.
For Argentina, head coach Felipe Contepomi made five changes from the team that played against Scotland. Props Boris Wenger and Tomas Rapetti made their first Test starts. Marcos Kremer, Justo Piccardo, and Bautista Delguy were also brought into the starting lineup. Harlequins lock Guido Petti captained the home side, earning his 100th cap for the Pumas.
The match saw several notable moments, including Dewi Lake’s opening try for Wales, which came from a maul. Argentina responded with a flowing move that culminated in Oviedo’s first try. The home side’s dominance was further asserted when Piccardo scored after Delguy won an aerial battle.
Wales had a try disallowed after a long consultation between referee Paul Williams and the television match official (TMO), with flanker Jac Morgan deemed to have been part of the ruck before picking up the ball. However, Rhys Carre then scored his fifth try in six internationals from a penalty move.
Argentina secured a bonus point before half-time with Santiago Carreras’s try. In the second half, Oviedo scored his second try, further extending Argentina’s lead. Wales saw Ryan Elias come on for his 50th Test appearance, replacing the injured Dewi Lake. Kane James also made his debut for Wales, replacing Aaron Wainwright.
Travel and Preparations
Wales’ journey to San Juan involved significant travel. After their victory against Fiji, the team undertook a 7,000-mile, 18-hour flight to Buenos Aires, split into two groups. They had only one full training session in the capital before another two-hour flight to San Juan. This limited preparation time was a factor for Steve Tandy’s side, who will face South Africa next in Durban.
The logistical challenges of the Nations Championship were acknowledged by captain Dewi Lake, who stated that such travel is common for sportspeople. Wales had previously won in San Juan in 2018, a match that marked Aaron Wainwright’s debut. Current squad members Adam Beard, Dillon Lewis, Ryan Elias, Tomos Williams, and Josh Adams were also part of that victorious tour.
The rugby match took place amidst a backdrop of significant football excitement in Argentina. The country was focused on its national football team’s attempt to win the World Cup for the second consecutive time. Celebrations for Argentina’s football success, including a comeback win against Egypt in the last-16, were widespread in Buenos Aires, with fans gathering in city squares and around television screens.
Despite the football focus, Wales aimed to make their own headlines in the Nations Championship. This match was seen as a tough test against a team ranked higher than Wales, and one that had previously beaten Tandy’s side in Cardiff in November 2025. Wales now prepares to face South Africa in Durban next Saturday, while Argentina will host England.
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Source: bbc.com
