Argentina’s victory over South Africa is a timely revival for Pumas before they meet England

Argentina’s victory over South Africa is a timely revival for Pumas before they meet England at World Cup

  • Mario Ledesma has already improved Argentina since coming in as new boss 
  • He led Pumas to victory over South Africa in Mendoza in Rugby Championship 
  • It may be cause for concern for Eddie Jones ahead of World Cup next year 
  • Finn Russell made brilliant start to life with Racing 92 in win against Toulon 

Argentina finally look to have turned a corner after beating South Africa 32-19 in Mendoza — something which may concern England coach Eddie Jones.

It was the Pumas’ first Test win against top opposition in two years, having won only three of their last 23 Tests.

The 21-year-old wing Bautista Delguy was in electric form, scoring two wonderful tries as the Argentinians won with something to spare against Rassie Erasmus’ side that beat England twice in June.

Bautista Delguy scored twice for Argentina as the Pumas overcame South Africa 

Argentina’s revival under coach Mario Ledesma is timely as they will meet England in the 2019 World Cup ‘Pool of Death’ in Japan, alongside France, Tonga and the United States.

Erasmus meanwhile was livid. ‘It was embarrassing and not the kind of performance you expect to see from the Springboks,’ he said.

In the other fixture in the Rugby Championship, New Zealand battered Australia 40-12, with Beauden Barrett scoring a record four tries in the second Bledisloe Cup match. The All Blacks retain the trophy for the 16th season.

Finn Russell made a stunning debut for Racing 92, as the Parisians won 25-9 at Toulon. 

Finn Russell made a brilliant start to life at Racing as they beat Toulon away from home

Finn Russell made a brilliant start to life at Racing as they beat Toulon away from home

The Scotland fly-half scoring 20 points, including two tries, in his first Top 14 appearance.

There was a minor scare for Northampton’s Dan Biggar, who went off with a head knock in the Saints’ 41-15 pre-season win against Glasgow on Friday night. 

He was accidentally kneed in the head by his scrum-half Cobus Reinach but is expected to be fit for Saturday’s trip to Gloucester.

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