England v Argentina

The rivalry between England and Argentina in rugby has grown over the years, with the two teams facing each other in various formats, including test matches, World Cup encounters, and Autumn Internationals. Here’s a summary of their history:

First Encounter:

  • The first-ever meeting between England and Argentina in rugby took place in 1981. Since then, the two teams have competed sporadically, with both sides having moments of dominance.

Overall Record:

  • As of 2025, England and Argentina have met 13 times in test matches.

  • England has a strong overall record, winning the majority of these encounters, but Argentina has often been competitive, especially in World Cups.

Notable Matches:

  1. 1995 Rugby World Cup:

    • Argentina 18–18 England (Pool stage)

    • One of the most famous encounters between the two sides came in the 1995 Rugby World Cup in South Africa. The match ended in a draw, with both teams failing to secure a win. The result was significant, as it influenced the qualification for the knockout stages.

  2. 2003 Rugby World Cup:

    • England faced Argentina in the quarter-finals of the 2003 World Cup, in what was a decisive clash on the way to their World Cup victory.

    • England 19–9 Argentina: England secured a win in this match, largely due to the boot of Jonny Wilkinson and the leadership of captain Martin Johnson. The victory was crucial as it set England on the path to win the World Cup later that year.

  3. 2013 Autumn Internationals:

    • England 28–17 Argentina: During the Autumn Internationals, England comfortably defeated Argentina at Twickenham.

    • This was a year where Argentina had brought a lot of competitive fire to international rugby, and the match was seen as an important step for England in building towards future tournaments.

  4. 2023 Rugby World Cup:

    • England 27–10 Argentina (Pool stage)

    • In the 2023 Rugby World Cup, England defeated Argentina in a solid performance in the group stage. The victory showcased England’s physical dominance and discipline, which was key in securing a place in the knockout rounds.

Playstyle and Tactics:

  • England: Known for their powerful forward play, England often tries to dominate in the scrum and lineout. Their tactical kicking game, led by fly-halves like Jonny Wilkinson and Owen Farrell, has been a hallmark of their style, especially in tight matches.

  • Argentina: The Pumas are known for their physicality and set-piece strength, particularly in the scrum. Argentina has traditionally been very strong in the forwards and is known for their passionate play and ability to challenge bigger teams.

Rugby World Cup Encounters:

  • England vs Argentina in Rugby World Cup History:

    • 1995: Draw (18–18) – Pool Stage

    • 2003: England won 19–9 – Quarter-finals

    • 2007: Argentina won 15–6 – Pool Stage (England’s loss was one of their most notable World Cup upsets)

    • 2011: England won 13–9 – Pool Stage (A very tight and tactical battle)

    • 2019: England won 39–10 – Pool Stage (A dominant performance by England)

Recent Form:

  • In recent years, Argentina has become a more consistent threat on the global stage, with strong performances in the Rugby Championship, while England remains one of the top teams in Europe and globally.

  • England has often come out on top in these encounters, but Argentina has demonstrated their growing capability, especially when their forwards are dominant and when their backs play with pace and creativity.

Memorable Moments:

  • 2013 Autumn International: A strong English performance at home, where England comfortably defeated the Pumas.

  • 2019 Rugby World Cup: England’s convincing win over Argentina was part of their run to the semi-finals of the tournament.

Looking Ahead:

  • Matches between England and Argentina are always competitive, with Argentina consistently aiming to challenge the top teams in international rugby. England, as one of the sport’s powerhouses, will always be a formidable opponent, but Argentina’s physical play and flair can cause upsets at any given moment.

In conclusion, while England holds a strong winning record against Argentina, the encounters have been far from one-sided, with Argentina’s moments of brilliance making for some thrilling matches, particularly in World Cup settings. The rivalry remains one to watch as both teams continue to develop their playing styles and push for success on the world stage.