Argentina coach Felipe Contepomi accused England of showing a “lack of respect” after abruptly ending his post-match press conference on Saturday.
Contepomi was speaking to the media following his side’s controversial 31-24 defeat in Santiago del Estero when loud music and celebrations from England’s changing room next door interrupted proceedings.
After asking an England representative to have the noise turned down, the former Pumas flyhalf walked out, saying he was leaving because of the “lack of respect” being shown.
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The incident came moments after Argentina were denied a dramatic, potentially match-levelling try in the 83rd minute.
Winger Bautista Delguy appeared to have scored in the corner, but TMO Brett Cronan ruled that Henry Slade’s desperate cover tackle had forced him into touch before grounding the ball.
The decision preserved England’s victory after coach Steve Borthwick’s side had survived two second-half fightbacks from the hosts.
“I’m delighted for the players. They showed incredible spirit, led brilliantly by Jamie George,” said Borthwick.
“Matches between England and Argentina, whatever the sport, seem to end up being very tight late on and full of drama.
“It’s almost unfair to pull out one example but Henry Slade’s tackle at the end was incredible.
“It shows the fight that’s in this group of players, as well as their togetherness and connection.”
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England prevailed despite having Jack van Poortvliet, Alex Coles, Henry Pollock and Emmanuel Iyogun all shown yellow cards, leaving them to play nine minutes with just 13 men.
Asked about his side’s discipline after accumulating 14 yellow cards in their last eight Tests, Borthwick was in no mood to entertain the criticism.
“I don’t think now is the time to be digging into that,” he said.
“This team has done really, really well. It was a tough Test match, a fantastic Test match, we scored some wonderful tries and as ever you guys concentrate on the negativity.
“You’re like the negativity committee so it’s lovely coming and talking to you again.”
Photo: Fernando Ariaz/Reuters
The post Los Pumas coach storms out appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Argentina coach Felipe Contepomi accused England of showing a “lack of respect” after abruptly ending his post-match press conference on Saturday.
The post Los Pumas coach storms out appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
