IRB Video: Argentina U20 v Ireland U20 highlights
The two teams were evenly matched and Ireland, who enjoyed long periods of possession, will be disappointed to have come away empty-handed as they watched their opponents make the most of every chance they had.
Fly half Benjamin Madero gave Argentina the lead with a penalty but his opposite number Martin Dufficy levelled scores with a well-struck kick minutes later.
Both sides looked inventive going forward, with several breaks catching the eye, but it was Argentina who raced through for the opening try when wing Diego Palma took a superb inside pass from full back Joaquin Tucullet to finish off a sweeping move.
The Argentineans grew in confidence after their solid start, despite losing second row Guido Lofiego to the sin-bin, and they pressed hard to increase their lead for the remainder of the half, only being denied by some excellent Irish defending, with fullback Niall Morris being forced into some last-ditch tackling in the closing exchanges.
Ireland had it all to do in the second half, with Argentina leading 10-3 and looking impressive with ball in hand, but a superb long-range penalty from Dufficy put the Irish back in touch right after the turnaround to reduce the gap.
Both sides were reduced to 14 when Argentina captain Lisandro Ahualli de Chazal and Ireland’s Kieran Essex were binned for separate incidents, but Ireland still managed to narrow the gap when Dufficy kicked another impressive penalty.
Ireland had plenty of possession and a try looked certain when speedy wing Sean Scanlon dived for the line, but he was pushed into touch by the covering Argentine defence.
The Irish were boosted by the effort though and put together some impressive phases, but crucially, they couldn’t make the breakthrough for a winning score and Argentina wrapped the game up when centre Juan Pablo Estelles ran in an intercepted pass before the whistle with Madero adding the extras.
Argentina Man of the Match Martin Landajo commented after the match: “It was a very tough game. Ireland played a lot through their backs but we defended very well and that was the key to winning today. We knew the game would be tough so we were prepared that the match might not be decided till the last 10 minutes so we were ready. Next up we have Tonga so we are thinking about that game now.”
Ireland coach Eric Elwood added: “We are disappointed. The lads are shattered and though we are not saying this game was everything in the group, it was important for us to get off to a good start.
“It was a very competitive game and we certainly created enough chances to win it. With only 12 or 14 minutes to go there was only a point in it so we are devastated not to have won it. There were still plenty of positives and we will take those on going forward into the other games.”
