Replacement halfback Ben Youngs scored a late try as England escaped with a 13-9 victory over Argentina in a brutal Rugby World Cup clash in Dunedin yesterday.
Both England first five eight Jonny Wilkinson and Argentina’s fullback Martin Rodriguez, had a terrible day with their boots, with both missing five penalty shots at goal.
Captain, Mike Tindall said the Argentina team was very physical team and they were lucky to come away with the much needed win.
In other results, Scotland came from behind to beat Romania 34-24 in a Pool B match.
Meanwhile, France were given a scare by Japan in their World Cup opener but managed to get the job done with a 47-21 win at North Harbour Stadium in Albany.
A bonus point means that les Bleus move level with New Zealand at the top of Pool A, but it was far from plain sailing as the Japanese made a mockery of many of the bookies’ predictions.
A strong performance from Japanese flyhalf James Arlidge saw him score all his team's points in an entertaining game highlighted by the Brave Blossoms' fighting spirit.
The RWC matches today at 3.30pm, Australia will meet Italy, at 6pm, Ireland faces USA and 8.30pm, South Africa takes on Wales.
Story by: Dreu Vukailagi
Late heroics save England from upset
Related Stories
Unity through rugby: Sukuna challenge shifted to the north
Ratu Wiliame Katonivere says rugby, especially the Sukuna Bowl brings unity to all Fijians as the historic clash heads to the north for the first time. Ratu Wiliame says the decision to move the Ratu Sukuna Rugby
Suva fall short against Mataks in OFC Futsal Championship
Suva Futsal Club put up a determined performance in their OFC Futsal Men’s Champions League 2025 match, but were defeated 5-1 by a strong Mataks FC side from the Solomon Islands. The loss means Suva’s chances o
Ruben Love to start for All Blacks as Robertson rotates team for Wales
Scott Robertson has put his trust in Damian McKenzie at first five-eiqhth after electing to make 13 positional changes to his run-on team for the All Blacks' final test of the vear against Wales in Cardiff on Sunday mor
Botitu and Maqala in the midfield with Nasova on the wing
Major changes have been made to the FIJI Water Flying Fijians side to take on Spain on Sunday as Vilimoni Botitu and Sireli Maqala will start in the midfield with Joji Nasova on the wing. Head coach Mick Byrne has
New Zealand's Waikato Rapids through to OFC Futsal final after beating defending champions New Caledonia
New Zealand's Waikato Rapids have booked their spot in the OFC Futsal Men’s Champions League final, beating defending champions New Caledonia's AS PTT 5–2 at the Vodafone Arena in Suva. The Rapids made a fast s
Tanoa Hotel renews partnership with Fijian Drua
Tanoa Hotels has renewed its partnership with the Fijian Drua, securing Tanoa Hotels’ position as the Official Hotel and Home of the Fijian Drua for an additional three years. The Drua says the renewed agreement