England's chaotic Nations Championship fixture against Argentina ended in huge controversy as a last-gasp try for the Pumas was overturned. Wing Bautista Delguy appeared to touch down in the right corner with the clock in the red during a dramatic finale to a remarkable second half, despite the best defensive efforts of Noah Caluori and Henry Slade.
It was a score that would have set up a tough conversion attempt for Argentina fly-half Tomas Albornoz, which if successful would have seen the game end in a 31-31 draw. However, instead the furious Pumas ended up losing 31-24 after Delguy's try was eventually overturned following a lengthy review in which there was initial disagreement between referee Angus Gardner and Television Match Official (TMO) Brett Cronan.
The Controversial Decision
Gardner awarded the try on the field and voiced that he felt the ball had been grounded after watching several replays, though Cronan insisted that it should be ruled out as it was grounded on the intersection of the sideline and the try line. Gardner accepted that recommendation and the try was eventually disallowed, bringing an immediate end to a frantic second period that lasted for 63 minutes and featured a total of six yellow cards - four for England alone.
Argentina's Reaction
Argentina were seething with the decision as they remonstrated angrily with the officials following the full-time whistle. They clearly felt that Caluori had hit Delguy high as he attempted to put him into touch with a last-gasp tackle and prevent the try, which they would argue should have resulted in a penalty try and an automatic seven points that would have tied the match without any need for a conversion.
According to sources, the Pumas players and coaching staff were visibly frustrated, believing the tackle was illegal and should have been penalized. The match officials, however, stood by their decision after the review.
Match Context
The game was part of the newly formed Nations Championship, which sees teams from the Six Nations and Rugby Championship compete in a global league format. England's victory keeps them in contention for the title, while Argentina will rue the missed opportunity to secure a draw on the road.
