England Vs Argentina: Worst Rugby World Cup games for England and Argentina teams
The RWC is the pinnacle of the sport, and for many nations, it is the most important event in their sporting calendar. For England, it has been a source of both triumph and heartache, with the men's team experiencing both the high of winning the tournament in 2003 and the lows of underperforming in subsequent years. However, one particular match stands out as the worst game for England in history.
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The infamous loss to South Africa in the 2019 Rugby World Cup Final
England move into the 2019 RWC with high hopes and prospects, having won the Six Nations earlier in the year and established itself as one of the top teams in the world. They breezed through the group stage, winning all four of their matches, including a dominant victory over Argentina. They then dispatched two-time champions Australia in the quarter-finals and put in a stunning performance to beat reigning champions New Zealand in the semi-finals.
England looked like the complete package, with a well-drilled pack of forwards and a backline that was firing on all cylinders. Their rivals in the final, South Africa, had not had an easy ride to get there, having lost their opening match to New Zealand. However, they bounced back with a string of victories, culminating in an impressive win over Wales in the RWC semi-finals. South Africa was a physical, hard-nosed team, with a game plan based around their powerful forward pack.
The Rugby World Cup Final was held at the Yokohama International Stadium, and both teams came out firing in the early stages. England looked to spread the ball wide but was met with ferocious defence from the Springboks. South Africa, meanwhile, relied on their physicality, repeatedly driving through the middle of the field and putting England on the back foot. The first points of the match came from a Handre Pollard penalty after England was penalised at the scrum.
England Rugby World Cup team missed chances
England had a chance to respond with a penalty of their own, but Owen Farrell's kick drifted wide of the posts. It was a sign of things to come for England, as they struggled to convert their chances and make the most of their possession. South Africa extended their lead with another Pollard penalty, before scoring the first try of the RWC match through winger Makazole Mapimpi. It was a dazzlingly executed move, with Mapimpi finishing off a flowing team move in the corner.
England had a chance to hit back closely, but again, their attack was shut down by the South African defence. As the match wore on, England's frustrations began to show. They were repeatedly penalised for infringements at the breakdown, and their discipline began to unravel. South Africa continued to dominate the physical battle and added another try through winger Cheslin Kolbe. England looked shell-shocked and was powerless to mount any sort of comeback.
Why was this the worst game for England in RWC history?
There are a few reasons. Firstly, it was a final, and therefore the stakes were higher than in any other match. The fact that England was comprehensively outplayed in such an important game was a bitter pill to swallow for fans and players alike. Secondly, the manner of the defeat was particularly disappointing. England had been in scintillating form in the lead-up to the Rugby World Cup final.
But were unable to replicate that level of performance when it mattered most. The team looked flat and uninspired. The final score was 32-12 to South Africa, a comprehensive victory that was a far cry from the form that England had shown throughout the tournament. It was a disappointing end to what had been a promising campaign and left England fans wondering what might have been if the team had played to their potential.
Worst game for the Argentina Rugby World Cup team in rugby history
Argentina is one of the most passionate and talented rugby nations in the world, with a rich history and a proud tradition of playing with flair and passion. The national team, known as Los Pumas, have enjoyed some memorable moments in the RWCs over the years, including reaching the semi-finals in 2007 and the quarter-finals in 2015. However, there is one particular game that stands out as the worst for Argentina in world cup history.
Their defeat to Tonga in the 2015 tournament. The match took place in Leicester, England, and was a crucial fixture for both teams, with both looking to progress from a tough pool that also featured New Zealand and Georgia. Argentina Rugby World Cup side had started the tournament strongly, beating Georgia convincingly in their opening game, but had suffered a heavy defeat to New Zealand in their second match.
Tonga, on the other hand, had lost their opening two games and were in anxious need of a win to keep their hopes of qualifying for the knockout stages alive. Despite being the heavy favourites going into the game, Argentina wriggled to assert themselves from the outset. They were unable to gain any drive in the early Rugby World Cup stages, with their attacking play looking rambling and uninspired.
The Tonga Rugby World Cup team played with freedom and inspiration
Tonga, on the other hand, played with freedom and inspiration that caught Argentina RWC side off guard, scoring two tries in the first half to take a 15-3 lead into the break. Argentina came out with renewed vigour in the second half and scored an early try through winger Juan Imhoff. However, any hopes of a comeback were quickly extinguished as Tonga hit back with two more tries, including a stunning solo effort from Telusa Veainu, to seal a famous 29-15 victory.
It was a result that shocked the rugby world and sent Argentina crashing out of the RWC at the pool stage. So, why was this the worst game for Argentina in history? Several factors make this defeat particularly disappointing. Firstly, it was against a team that Argentina was expected to beat comfortably. Tonga, while a proud rugby nation, had never beaten Argentina in a match before and had lost their opening two games of the tournament.
The fact that Argentina was unable to take advantage of this and secure a victory is a major disappointment. Secondly, the manner of the defeat was particularly concerning. Argentina had built their success on a strong forward pack and a potent attacking game plan but was unable to apply either effectively against Tonga. They were outplayed in every aspect of the game, with Tonga controlling at the breakdown and in the set piece.
Tonga showcasing their attacking skill at the RWC level
Finally, the defeat to Tonga ultimately cost Argentina a place in the knockout stages of the tournament. With New Zealand and Georgia also in their pool, Argentina knew that every game was crucial, and the loss to Tonga proved to be the difference between progression and elimination. It was a bitter blow for a Rugby World Cup team that had high hopes and aspirations heading into the tournament.
In conclusion, the defeat to Tonga in the 2015 Rugby World Cup stands out as the worst game for Argentina in the competition's history. It was a game that exposed their weaknesses and highlighted their inconsistencies, and ultimately cost them a place in the knockout stages. However, it is important to remember that this was just one game and that Argentina remains one of the most talented and passionate rugby nations in the world.
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