Argentina U21 led 17-11 at the break, with Matias Cortese barging over and referee Malcolm Changleng awarding the first of two penalty tries against Wales U21. Andrew Bishop, twice, Aled Brew, David Watts and Jamie Roberts all crossed for Wales U21, but they fell just short.
IRB Audio: Wales U21 Assistant Coach Dai Rees
IRB Audio: Wales U21’s Andrew Bishop
Wales U21 now go into Tuesday’s play-off for the minor places against Scotland U21. However, the two bonus points Wales U21 gained in defeat – one for scoring four or more tries, one for losing by seven points or less – mean they can still finish as high as fifth.
Wales U21 Assistant Coach Dai Rees said: “I have mixed feelings. We played against a typical Argentina U21 team, with big forwards and a big scrum. We had a few injuries and called up some second-string players and I’m happy with the way we coped with Argentina U21’s power. I think that the atmosphere was great. It was like a Test match for these players and a really good preparation for them when they move on up to senior level.”
Bishop who impressed with his two tries from centre admitted Wales U21 had struggled to come to terms with Argentina U21’s foward power: “Before the game we knew that Argentina U21 were going to base a lot of their game around the scrum and the maul, and in the first half we struggled to control them. We did a lot better in the second half and when we got the ball we put some good moves together.”
