Dominant in most sectors, Argentina defeated the Italians with strength and conviction (18-50). More impactful in the scoring areas compared to their opponents, Felipe Contepomi's men were able to contain the disorderly Transalpine enthusiasm to punish the locals with 7 tries to their credit.
Here is a duel which promised to be indecisive between the two nations. Dashing Italians for several months, capable of significantly raising their level of play with sustained frequency. On the other, Argentinians who are coming out of a Rugby Championship where they went through all the stages, and which gives hope for the future. If Albornoz opened the hostilities with a first penalty for Italian offside (0-3, 4th), a hard blow occurred for the Azzurri. Capuozzo was completely after a tackle, and had to give up his place after only 7 minutes of play. The Pumas, for their part, continued their business. Mallía took advantage of a chance pass from Lucchesi to go on the counter alone and eliminate the last defender with an admirable hook (0-10, 11th).
While Page-Relo missed the target on a long-range penalty, the feeling was that the Transalpins were capable of generating numerous opportunities, but also losing a countless number of balls on the ground near the scoring area. The punishment did not take long with Bertranou who took advantage of a mix-up on a tackle from Garbisi, bringing the ball back into his camp, for a try full of realism (0-17, 29th). The Italians, however, responded. A penalty try was awarded by Mr Carley, following a powerful maul near the line. Gonzalez received a yellow card at the same time. Gonzalo Quesada's men finished with a bang, Spagnolo made the attempt, but the goal was not awarded. Allan will still reduce the gap (10-17, 40th), providing relative uncertainty for the rest of the events.
Record victory for the Pumas
What followed was a long solo run by the Pumas, authors of a gradual and certain rise in power. If Allan reduced the score quickly (13-17, 43rd), it was only a simple consolation against the Argentine armada which was being established. Sclavi (13-24, 49th) on a carried ball and Albornoz on a smoothly carried out counter and a ball screwed up by Lynagh (13-31, 57th) will have killed all suspense in the face of a glaring clumsiness of the premises and a physical stature below. Cordero continued the festival (13-36, 66th), while Nicotera in force will reduce the score (18-36, 68th). Not enough to restrict the Pumas, showing a fierce appetite in the running game. Alemanno (18-43, 71st) on a touchline capture with almost no opposition, and Delguy with a well-made inbound run (18-50, 78th) will give a record appearance to this great success for Felipe Contepomi's men.
Hard for the Italians, systematically punished during their defensive wanderings. Quickly deprived of their best offensive asset with the loss of stunned Capuozzo, Gonzalo Quesada's troops folded on all sides. Clumsy in transitions while they managed to obtain many positive situations, the work remains colossal before the reception of Georgia next week.
What can we say about the Argentinian partition? A massive success, where all facets of rugby were revisited. In a certain continuity with what the Pumas have offered in recent months, this great success confirms the excellent disposition of Felipe Contepomi's men for this autumn tour. Next step, an explosive Ireland-Argentina, no less.
