Wales v Argentina: Five takeaways as ‘gulf in class’ evident on day of the good, the bad and the ugly
Argentina scrum-half Simon Benitez Cruz kicking against Wales.
Following a 52-28 victory for Argentina against Wales in the Autumn Nations Series on Sunday, here are our five takeaways from the match at the Principality Stadium.
The top line
Argentina kicked off their end-of-year campaign with a thoroughly deserved triumph as the Steve Tandy era began with a disappointing start in front of an expectant crowd.
Scores from Pedro Delgado, Geronimo Prisciantelli (2), Simon Benitez Cruz, Mateo Carreras, Bautista Delguy and Santiago Grondona helped Los Pumas to an emphatic win.
Tomos Williams, Dewi Lake, Jac Morgan and Blair Murray scored for Wales on the day but the home loss was compounded by injuries to the skipper and Aaron Wainwright.
Ben Thomas is a lucky, lucky boy
The action of Wales centre Ben Thomas on 27 minutes certainly raised an eyebrow as he lashed out with a boot after being held by Argentina flanker Pablo Matera. While holding players at rucks is a bug-bear in the sport, there is simply no excuse for what Thomas subsequently did with his left leg as he attempted to get himself free.
Referee Ben O’Keeffe was alerted to the act but because the Television Match Official couldn’t conclusively confirm whether he made contact, he opted to give a yellow, which was to be reviewed by the Foul Play Review Officer, Eric Gauzins. Fortunately for Thomas, Gauzins adjudged no contact was made, so the card was not upgraded.
Either way, it was an ugly act from the Wales centre who can feel mightily relieved that he was able to return to the Principality Stadium field moments before the interval.
Gulf in class
This international was a marker of where these two teams currently sit in the world order, as Argentina’s rise has coincided with Wales’ stark decline as a side in recent years.
Los Pumas have been a joy to watch in the Rugby Championship over the past few years, building depth in several areas as well as clarity in their game and confidence. They showed that in spades on Sunday as the likes of M. Carreras, Benitez Cruz, Santi Carreras and Prisciantelli caught the eye, while those in front laid the platform.
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In contrast, it’s no secret that Wales are in a different spot currently and new boss Tandy and his coaching team have a big job on their hands turning their fortunes around.
Jac Morgan praise and concern
On a personal level, it has been a 2025 to remember for Morgan, and in this game he once again gave the watching masses a reminder of just what an excellent player he is.
The British and Irish Lions tourist was a genuine nuisance to Los Pumas around the field as he interfered in all aspects of play, notably the breakdown, maul and in the tackle. It wasn’t just without the ball though that he impressed in the first period, as his try assist for Williams showed how comfortable he is with the ball in hand.
Morgan’s tirelessness continued in the second half when he crashed over from close range but sadly it was his last act as a wrist injury ended an outstanding individual shift.
X-factor Pumas
While they have a real work ethic and togetherness as a team, there are moments of brilliance that regularly jump out and that was certainly the case again in Cardiff today.
M. Carreras, Delguy, S. Carreras and Matera provided such moments, with the former a threat every time he touches the ball while the latter’s work in sending him over for a try was a joy to watch. Matera broke from his 22 after collecting a Welsh restart, showed his pace and then his intelligence by kicking through for his wing to cross.
There is just heaps to enjoy about this Los Pumas side and racking up 52 points at the home of Welsh rugby cannot be underestimated, even in their current predicament.