Pumas exact revenge

Argentina gained revenge on their mauling by England a week ago by recording a narrow 24-22 victory in Salta on Saturday.

Juan Martin Hernandez-inspired the Pumas with a masterclass before Matt Banahan's late try set up a tense climax at the Estadio Padre Ernesto Martearena.

The imperious Stade Francais fly-half mixed up attacking kicks with some clever off-loading and incisive running.

He kicked three penalties, a conversion and drop goal to keep Argentina in control for most of the match with Juan Manuel Leguizamon and Gonzalo Camacho running in tries.

But Andy Goode amassed a 17-point haul in reply, slotting home four penalties and a conversion of Banahan's 79th minute try.

But outfought and outwitted for much of the match, England paid the price for some feeble tackling that enabled the impressive Pumas to build momentum - and a 14-3 half-time lead - with the minimum of fuss.

Martin Johnson's side often failed to match the Pumas' intensity at the breakdown and tackle area but showed real spirit to reel in their opponents when at one point they seemed to be chasing a lost cause.

They endured a miserable start at the line-out with Dylan Hartley wayward on two throws - the second of which was punished with a Pumas try after just two minutes

Marion Ledesma, who had already made a wrecking-ball run, came up with the ball at the foot of the set-piece before feeding the onrushing Leguizamon and the Stade Francais number eight charged over.

Ominous start

It was an ominous start by Argentina but England recovered well with Goode striking a penalty and then producing a massive touch finder to sweep his side out of the 22.

But ill-discipline began to creep into England's game as Argentina's pressure took its toll, conceding two penalties that Hernandez slotted over.

In contrast to Old Trafford, the Stade Francis player had options outside him with centres Santiago Fernandez and Gonzalo Tiesi and full-back Horacio Agulla running off his shoulder at pace.

The visitors were clinging on, their flimsy tackling enabling Argentina to build easy momentum while the Pumas approached their defence work with far more vigour.

Chris Robshaw was smashed backwards and Argentina won the ball, giving the imperious Hernandez another chance to run rings around the visitors' defence.

A crafty chip by Goode gave England a sniff of the line but the space was closed quickly and a long pass to an unmarked Banahan went forward.

The second half was just three minutes old when Argentina ran in their second try, courtesy of a missed tackle by Goode.

Agulla came charging into the line, swatted aside Goode and sent out a superb long pass to winger Gonzalo Camacho who dashed home unopposed.

Hernandez landed the conversion but England struck back with their most promising passage of play as Goode began to run the ball.

Struggling

Struggling to contain the assault, Argentina conceded three penalties which Goode sent over and then had Agulla to thank for coming to the rescue as May threatened to gather a chip over the top.

The Pumas took their foot off the pedal in the final quarter amid turnovers from both sides.

Goode booted his fifth penalty to take England within a converted try of victory but with impeccable timing Hernandez booted a drop goal.

England were not finished, however, as they produced a fine move to set up a grand stand finish with four minutes to go.

Delon Armitage, who had been solid all match, broke free down the left wing and slipped a superb pass to Banahan who bounced off Francisco Leonelli to cross under the posts.

Goode converted but England could not get their hands on the ball again and Argentina held out for victory.