England hold off Argentina fightback to take World Cup bronze

PARIS :England held off a spirited Argentina fightback to win a Rugby World Cup bronze final full of intensity and errors 26-23 on Friday for a small drop of consolation after the heartbreaking disappointment of their semi-final defeat last week.

The unerring boot of Owen Farrell proved the difference as both sides scored two tries but the England captain landed four penalties and two conversions for a tally of 16 points as Nicolas Sanchez missed a late kick for the Pumas that would have levelled the scores.

England flanker Sam Underhill, a late call up to the squad and making his tournament debut, delivered a man of the match performance, making 24 tackles. "It is a bit surreal. It's been a great few weeks, he said.

Friday's clash was, of course, the match neither team wanted to be playing in but both coaches said this week they were giving it the utmost respect and the physicality and commitment from the start showed that the players felt the same way.

Six weeks ago England triumphed 27-10 when the teams met in their opening group game but this was an altogether closer affair as, against a barrage of boos from the largely French crowd, Farrell got things moving with a third-minute penalty.

England then scored an excellent try as Farrell and Marcus Smith flicked quick passes for a charging Ben Earl to crash over. Farrell converted and added another penalty for a 13-0 lead.

Argentina’s attack was brought up short by too many handling errors but they did eventually string together a sharp move, albeit with what looked a clear forward pass, that finished with scrumhalf Tomas Cubelli squeezing through for a try.

Emiliano Boffelli’s conversion and an earlier penalty, and another for Farrell, meant it was 16-10 at the break.

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