Stormy scenes after England edge Argentina in late drama
England’s July tour ended in controversy as Argentina head coach Felipe Contepomi abruptly left his post-match media briefing, claiming a “lack of respect” after celebrations from the neighbouring England changing room bled into his press conference. The flashpoint followed a breathless 31-24 result in Santiago del Estero, sealed only after a video review cancelled what would have been a last-gasp Argentina score.
With the noise of music and cheering filtering into the room, Contepomi asked an England representative to intervene. When the hubbub continued, he cut short the session, saying he was departing because of the disrespect. The moment capped a night in which emotions ran high on both sides, not least after the hosts were denied a try deep into overtime.
Final-minute tackle, TMO review and a tight finish
Argentina believed they had levelled the match in the third minute beyond full-time through Bautista Delguy, only for television match official Brett Cronan to determine the ball was grounded on the touchline. The decisive intervention came thanks to a last-ditch challenge from Henry Slade, who shunted Delguy towards the chalk. England, who had raced to a 19-3 interval advantage, had already weathered two spirited home comebacks before clinging on at the end.
England head coach Steve Borthwick hailed the resolve of his players after a long season, reserving special praise for the match-saving intervention on the wing.
“I’m delighted for the players. They showed incredible spirit, led brilliantly by Jamie George… It’s almost unfair to pull out one example but Henry Slade’s tackle at the end was incredible… Right now these players deserve a fantastic holiday, a good night out tonight and a good rest.”
His side’s victory arrived the hard way, including spells with reduced numbers that left England juggling personnel and tempo while Argentina pressed.
Ill-discipline and big defensive moments
England finished the tour match despite collecting four yellow cards — Jack van Poortvliet, Alex Coles, Henry Pollock and Emmanuel Iyogun all spent time off the pitch. For around nine minutes England were down to 13 men, a period that tested their shape and composure as Argentina probed for gaps.
| Incident | Detail |
|---|---|
| Score | England 31–24 Argentina |
| Denied try | Bautista Delguy ruled in touch after TMO review |
| Key tackle | Henry Slade forces touchline grounding |
| Cards | Four England yellows; nine minutes with 13 players |
Even with the penalties and cards stacking up, England held their nerve long enough to edge over the line. The visitors’ start was commanding; the finish, anything but. The final passages were chaotic, with momentum frequently swinging as errors, field position and discipline shaped the contest.
The respect row: celebration versus courtesy
Contepomi’s decision to leave the press conference will add heat to a fixture that rarely lacks bite. The Argentinian coach had requested the celebrations next door be dampened while he addressed reporters. When it continued, he stood up and walked out, calling the situation a “lack of respect”. The complaint struck a nerve because it followed the agony of seeing a potential leveller chalked off following the lengthy review.
For England, the evening’s soundtrack was that of a touring squad marking a winning finish. Borthwick emphasised how demanding the season has been for his players, pointing to the accumulated minutes and the need for rest now the summer schedule has closed.
What it means for supporters back home
For fans following from west London living rooms and pub corners, this fixture had a bit of everything: a storming English start, a fierce response from the Pumas, a yellow-card count that would sink many teams, and a defensive play at the death that proved decisive. Whether the post-match disagreement is seen as a simple clash of post-game routines or something more, the talking points will travel as far as the result — particularly the balance between celebrating victory and acknowledging the setting in which opponents are meeting the press.
As the away leg of the Nations calendar closes, England’s players have banked a result that underlines their capacity to scramble and survive when the script unravels. For Argentina, there will be frustration at how narrow the margins were — and at how off-field noise, quite literally, intruded on the final word of the night.
At a glance
- Result: England beat Argentina 31-24 after a late TMO decision ruled out a home try.
- Flashpoint: Argentina head coach Felipe Contepomi ended his presser early over what he called a “lack of respect” due to noise from England’s changing room.
- Turning point: Henry Slade’s last-ditch tackle forced a touchline grounding; TMO Brett Cronan disallowed the score.
- Discipline: England received four yellow cards and spent about nine minutes with 13 men.
- Reaction: Steve Borthwick praised the squad’s spirit and said the players deserve a break after a long season.
