Argentina run riot in Cardiff as new Wales era starts on a sour note

By SABC Sport
10th November 2025

Argentina kicked off their end-of-year campaign with a well-deserved 52-28 triumph over Wales as the Steve Tandy era began on a disappointing note in front of a hopeful crowd in Cardiff.

Scores from Pedro Delgado, Geronimo Prisciantelli (2), Simon Benitez Cruz, Mateo Carreras, Bautista Delguy and Santiago Grondona helped Los Pumas to an emphatic win at the Principality Stadium on Sunday.

Tomos Williams, Dewi Lake, Jac Morgan and Blair Murray scored for Wales on the day but the home loss was compounded by injuries to the skipper and Aaron Wainwright.

The action of Wales centre Ben Thomas on 27 minutes certainly raised an eyebrow as he lashed out with a boot after being held by Argentina flanker Pablo Matera.

Referee Ben O'Keeffe was alerted to the act but because the Television Match Official couldn't conclusively confirm whether he made contact, he opted to give a yellow, which was to be reviewed by the Foul Play Review Officer, Eric Gauzins. Fortunately for Thomas, Gauzins adjudged no contact was made, so the card was not upgraded.

This international was a marker of where these two teams currently sit in the world order, as Argentina's rise has coincided with Wales' sharp decline in recent years.

Los Pumas have been a serious contender in the Rugby Championship of late, building depth in several areas and confidence in their game.

They showed that in spades on Sunday as the likes of M. Carreras, Benitez Cruz, Santi Carreras and Prisciantelli caught the eye, while those in front laid the platform.