England last night celebrated a clean sweep of a Test series for the first time in Argentina and it was Marland Yarde who did most to brush aside the hosts.
The London Irish wing was playing in an England shirt for the first time in his career but wore it well, scoring two tries as his side collected a 51-26 victory in Buenas Aires and a 2-0 series victory.
Kyle Eastmond also contributed to an unexpectedly vibrant performance from the tourists, touching down at the end of a dazzling solo run to mark his first start with a try, while there were also maiden Test tries for fly-half Freddie Burns and hooker Rob Webber. Burns also kicked two penalties and four conversions, with Stephen Myler kicking the other.
The performance was composed – even with Argentina forced England back early in the second half – and belied the disruption of Christian Wade's late call-up to the British and Irish Lions, the wing joining Billy Twelvetrees in Australia. The hosts broke through twice as Manuel Montero and Tomas Leonardi touched down, but the Pumas were unable to get their claws into the match as England dominated.
Japan can often seem to tread much more lightly than that and seldom disturb anyone in world rugby but yesterday's 23-8 win over Wales was the product of an unexpectedly swaggering performance. It is the nation's inaugural victory over the RBS 6 Nations champions – their past eight meetings had each ended in humbling defeat for Japan – and was punctuated by tries from inside centre Craig Wing and openside flanker Michael Broadhurst, who both qualify to play for Japan having completed residency requirements, and a further 13 points were kicked by full-back Ayumu Goromaru.
The significance of the victory will be mitigated by the fact the Welsh were without a number of players – and head coach Warren Gatland – who are all on duty with British and Irish Lions but there will still be some concern that all they were able to muster in response was a try from Tom Prydie and and a penalty from Dan Biggar. "We are the first Japan team to beat a top-10 team in the world," said Eddie Jones, the Japan head coach.
New Zealand are more used to making such impressive strides, over-running France to record a 30-0 win yesterday. The tries came from Julian Savea, Ben Smith and replacement Beauden Barrett, while Aaron Cruden slotted 15 points with the boot.
It seemed typical that focus would fall on the hosts' attacking prowess but Steve Hansen was more taken with his side's defensive work. "Defence wins games because it shows the attitude of the team," said the All Blacks coach.
It was a senitment which was followed by Philippe Saint-Andre, even if his France side struggled to keep up. "They defended really well. We tried a drop goal and 80 metres [later] it's 17-0 to New Zealand. Game over."
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