Former England internationals Ben Youngs and Dan Cole have launched a fierce defence of Tom Curry after Argentina head coach Felipe Contepomi accused the flanker of acting like a “bully” during England’s 27-23 win on Sunday. Contepomi claimed Curry shoved him in the tunnel and showed “no humility” following a tackle that forced Juan Cruz Mallia from the field with a suspected ACL injury.
Youngs, England’s most-capped scrum-half, dismissed Contepomi’s version of events as “a load of b*****s” on the For the Love of Rugby podcast. He insisted Curry’s challenge was late but not reckless or malicious, and accused the Pumas of double standards over their treatment of George Ford. “Every time George travelled laterally, boom, he was hit, trying to take him out. There’s no difference between that and what Curry did,” Youngs said.
Youngs also ridiculed the bullying claim, arguing that rugby is fundamentally about physical dominance. “The whole game of rugby is basically built on bullying each other… You’ve basically got to beat up the opposition. There was no malice. There’s no intention,” he added. Cole echoed the sentiment, calling Argentina’s reaction “sour grapes” and suggesting Contepomi was frustrated by the narrow defeat.
Both former players argued Argentina were looking for someone to blame after failing to capitalise on a late attacking opportunity. Youngs said Contepomi should focus on the final play of the game rather than the tunnel incident. Contepomi has claimed tunnel cameras would confirm his account, but neither union has released footage. England head coach Steve Borthwick, who defended Curry’s character on Sunday, said he had not seen the altercation.
