​SAN JUAN, Argentina (AP) — Argentina recovered from a rocky start to secure a 35-21 victory over Wales on Saturday, earning its first win in rugby’s Nations Championship after an opening-round defeat. Following two rounds, South Africa and New Zealand remain undefeated in the southern conference, while Ireland leads the northern standings. Argentina joined France, Scotland, England, Wales and Japan with one win from two matches, leaving Australia, Fiji and Italy without a win so far. The Pumas had opened with a 47-38 loss to Scotland, while Wales had beaten Fiji 39-24.
“We knew Wales would be tough and a quality side,” said Argentina captain Julian Montoya. “They’re getting better and better, and we knew they wouldn’t go away. We improved in many areas and we’re really proud to have earned the win.”
Argentina held a 28-14 lead at halftime, four tries to two, in a first half that showcased contrasting styles. The Pumas leaned on pace and skill from their backline, highlighting the playmaking and ball-handling abilities of Justo Piccardo and Lucio Cinti in midfield, and the aerial and running threat of winger Bautista Delguy. Wales opted for a field-position strategy, relying on its tight forwards to win possession and score through flowing forward moves. The visitors opened the scoring in the fourth minute when hooker and captain Dewi Lake powered over from a maul after a penalty and attacking lineout.
Argentina struck back two minutes later when backrower Joaquin Oviedo finished off a clever move after Delguy misdirected the Welsh defense. Delguy’s influence continued to be felt as Argentina moved ahead with a try from Piccardo in the 15th minute, following Delguy’s superb take in the air that set up the sequence and sent the ball across to the backline to create the opening for Piccardo to cross.
Wales leveled the score at 14-14 in the 23rd minute. A Wales try by Jac Morgan was disallowed, but the visitors swung the ball with a penalty advantage to tap and drive, with Rhys Carre crashing over. Argentina reclaimed the lead before the break with two late tries. Marcos Kremer powerfully finished a lineout drive, and Santiago Carreras crossed after a Pumas maul was halted near the goal line. From there, Argentina pivoted to the backs and Delguy delivered a long cut-pass to Carreras for a try that crossed untouched.
The first-half workload on Wales was heavy, with the defense registering more than 100 tackles and missing 23, while Argentina cashed in on opportunistic chances. Oviedo extended the advantage in the opening minute of the second half, finishing off a sequence that began with Piccardo’s strong run on the left edge, followed by a deft infield pass to Oviedo for a jubilant dive over the line.
Mattias Moroni looked set to extend Argentina’s lead in the 56th minute, but his score was ruled out for a knock-on, and Wales stopped Argentina’s next foray from a penalty. Lake, the Welsh captain, left the field early after sustaining an injury, a development that added to Wales’ mounting challenges in dealing with Argentina’s varied attack.
Argentina’s victory marked a significant step forward after a difficult start to the tournament, with Montoya’s leadership and Delguy’s flair providing a balanced attacking platform. As the Nations Championship progresses, both teams will regroup and prepare for further tests in a competition that continues to shape up as a compelling clash of rugby nations.