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Wales slipped to their first defeat of the Nations Championship with Argentina running out 35-21 victors in Santa Fe.
Steve Tandy’s men showed plenty of character but were second best by a significant distance.
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15. Blair Murray 5
It was a tough afternoon at the office for the Scarlets man as Argentina tested his aerial ability.
Tried his best ball in hand but to little effect.
14. Ellis Mee 6
Justified his selection by winning the aerial battle and was solid with ball in hand.
But the Scarlets man did get brushed off a few times in defence.
13. Eddie James 5
James put in a number of big hits in defence but he did miss a tackle on Justo Piccardo for Argentina’s second try.
The Scarlets centre carried well ball in hand but was sometimes guilty of forcing the offload. Can’t help but think Wales should look at ham at inside centre.
12. Joe Hawkins 5
Hawkins offers a physical presence at 12 but Wales’ attack struggled to function and he was guilty of taking the wrong options on too many occasions. It could be time for Wales to ditch the idea of a second play-maker and go with a destroyer at 12, such as James or Bryn Bradley.
11. Josh Adams 5
Defended well and was strong under the high ball but didn’t make much of an impact ball in hand.
10. Sam Costelow 5
The Scarlets playmaker did not make a great start to the game, kicking out on the full while also failing to deal with a high ball which resulted in Justo Piccardo scoring Argentina’s second try.
There was the odd moment of positivity, but he failed to grasp his big chance.
9. Tomos Williams 6
The experienced scrum-half kicked well out of hand and looked a threat with ball in hand but it was always going to be tough going playing on the back foot.
8. Aaron Wainwright 7
The Leicester Tigers back-rower carried well and had numerous positive interventions, including a crucial lineout steal five metres short of the Wales try line.
7. Jac Morgan 8 (Star man)
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The Gloucester-bound openside got through a mountain of work, making 23 tackles and six carries.
Morgan was hugely effective at the breakdown, winning an impressive penalty shortly after the break.
6. James Botham 7
Work rate is not an issue for the Cardiff back-rower, who made 18 tackles and 15 carries.
Botham did exceptionally well to hold an Argentinian player up over the try line in the first half and more than held his own.
5. Adam Beard 5
Beard was effective at the lineout and played a significant role in Wales’ opening try along with his side’s dominance at the scrum.
The Montpellier lock also put a decent shift in around the park but does not offer the carrying threat of other second rows.
4. Ben Carter 6
The Dragons lock worked hard, making 15 tackles and ensured Wales’ lineout ran smoothly.
Tried his best to assert himself physically but Argentina were too strong up front.
3. Dillon Lewis 7
The Dragons prop held his own in the scrum and was a nuisance at the breakdown, winning two turnovers in the first half.
Replaced at half-time.
2. Dewi Lake 6
The Wales captain put in a huge defensive shift, making 18 tackles while the lineout functioned well.
Claimed Wales’ opening try but Wales’ pack struggled to get over the gainline.
1. Rhys Carré 7
The Saracens prop carried well and regularly got over the gainline.
Held his own in the scrum and did well to claim his fifth try in his last six Test matches.
Replaced at half-time.
Replacements
16. Ryan Elias 6
The Scarlets hooker found his man at the lineout and did well to strip the ball from an Argentinian player close to the line late on in the game.
17. Nicky Smith 7
Smith scrummaged extremely well and should have got more reward from the officials.
18. Ben Warren 7
The Ospreys prop was solid at scrum time and one big carry resulted in his first international try.
19. Teddy Williams 6
Williams added some much-needed energy and offered himself as a carrier.
20. Kane James 6
The Exeter Chiefs back-rower also brought some zip to the Wales pack. A solid Test debut.
21. Kieran Hardy 5
Didn’t do anything wrong but not enough time to make an impact.
22. Max Llewellyn 5
The Gloucester centre did nothing wrong but there was also not enough of an impact with ball in hand.
23. Louis Rees-Zammit 6
The Bristol Bears flyer tried his best to get Wales back into the game and looked dangerous with ball in hand.
