The red card, below, was a body blow for Argentina, who knew they had to win to keep alive their hopes of a quarter-final place. Referee Nigel Owens made it clear he had no option but to dismiss Lavanini after the television match official spotted the hit. Farrell had also been the victim of the dangerous tackle that led to John Quill being sent off in England’s win over USA.
Player of the Match Sam Underhill put in a huge shift for an England team who have still to hit their best form.
It had all started so well for Argentina as they dominated the opening phases of play. Benjamin Urdapilleta used his left boot to put in a clever kick over the top for winger Matias Moroni, who threatened to score the opening try when he kicked ahead, only for the pace of opposite number Jonny May to save the situation for England at the cost of a five-metre scrum. A pick-up-and-drive from Javier Desio was stopped short and when the back reached left winger Santiago Carreras he was bundled into touch close to the line.
Argentina did receive a penalty and Urdapilleta was able to reward their early enterprise with three points, but then Los Pumas fired off a loose clearing kick and full-back Elliot Daly ran it back. His chip through gave England a lineout in the opposition 22, Maro Itoje secured the ball and enough room was created on the left by a sustained attack to put May in for the try.
Argentina’s discipline was already causing referee Owens problems and he warned captain Pablo Matero for a late hit on Ben Youngs.
Then came the sending-off, when Owens told both captains that the safety of players had to be his primary concern, and that Lavanini had to go.
Billy Vunipola needed treatment on an ankle injury before England launched two excellent backline attacks that ended with Daly juggling the ball before cutting through to register the second try, pictured above. Just before half-time there was a third as the 14 men of Argentina were battered by close-range attacks, with Youngs eventually finding a gap to dart over, just as he had done against the Pumas at Rugby World Cup 2011. Farrel missed his fourth kick in a row, which left the lead at 15-3 at half time.
Argentina continued to kick badly and even the addition of an entire front row could not change the momentum England had created. Los Pumas did manage to score a try when Moroni punished England for a poor period of ball control and Emiliano Boffelli converted, only for Jack Nowell and Luke Cowan- Dicke to find their way to the line for England’s fifth try.
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