Wales begin Argentina series with 10-23 win

Argentina 10-23 Wales, Estadio San Juan del Bicentenario
Scorecard

Wales maintained their winning momentum in June series as they eased past Argentina 10-23 in the first Test between the two teams at Estadio San Juan del Bicentenario on Saturday.

This is Warren Gatland's side second win this summer after they edged past Springboks in Washington D.C last weekend and the two teams will meet once again for the final game of the series on 16th June in Santa Fe.

Nicolas Sanchez opened the account of the hosts in just second minute with a penalty goal but Wales pressed the accelerator breaching the defence of Argentina and a brilliant offload from Hallam Amos sent James Davies over the line in the 8th minute and Rhys Patchell followed with the conversion.

As Argentina looked predictable, Wales got their second breakthrough in the 23rd minute when Gareth Davies found George North, who in turn dotted down and Patchell kicked a conversion and a penalty goal as the visitors ended the first half with a 3-17 lead.

Patchell further extended Wales' lead to 14 points with another penalty kick at the start of the second half but he missed another long-range kick shortly thereafter. Argentina's comeback was halted by a number of errors and an extended deadlock period meant Wales had their 17-point lead intact as the final 10 minutes kicked-off.

Replacement Tomas Lezana did go over the line late and Santiago Gonzalez Iglesias slotted the extras but Gareth Anscombe with his first penalty kick in the added minutes ensured Wales completed a 10-23 win.

FULL TIME ? ARG 10-23 WAL

A result worthy of the occasion for Wales in their long-awaited return to Argentina. A deserved victory, with a strong comeback by the Pumas.

Buddugoliaeth haeddiannol yn erbyn yr Ariannin. Edrychwn ymlaen at y gêm nesaf yn Santa Fe llawn hyder pic.twitter.com/s4ATPLFahO

— Welsh Rugby Union ?? (@WelshRugbyUnion) 9 June 2018

?? Hear from victorious captain Cory Hill at full time in San Juan... pic.twitter.com/T6SIUrZBck

— Welsh Rugby Union ?? (@WelshRugbyUnion) 9 June 2018