Nations Championship - Argentina 35-21 Wales: Los Pumas bounce back as Wales fail to build on strong start

Argentina's Joaquin Oviedo scored two tries

Wales failed to build on a strong start as Argentina ran out comfortable 35-21 winners in their Nations Championship encounter in San Juan.

An early try from Dewi Lake gave Steve Tandy's side an early lead but the Pumas quickly responded with the first two of their five tries.

Rhys Carre pulled Wales back level but three more tries in a 13-minute spell either side of half-time gave the hosts a commanding lead before Ben Warren's consolation.

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Argentina's Joaquin Oviedo is tackled by Adam Beard

Sam Costelow converted all three of Wales' tries but Argentina, for whom Joaquin Oviedo starred with two touchdowns, deserved their victory as they bounced back impressively from defeat to Scotland.

They controlled the game for long periods with further scores for Justo Piccardo, Marcos Kremer and Santiago Carreras while 10 points came via the boot of Tomas Albornoz.

Wales, buoyed by last week's win over Fiji, made a superb start as Lake drove over in the fourth minute but his effort was quickly cancelled out as Oviedo finished off an Argentina break two minutes later.

The Pumas took the lead for the first time through Piccardo but his effort owed much to the brilliance of Bautista Delguy, who caught a high ball and offloaded in one motion.

Wales had beaten Fiji last weekend

Wales thought they had replied when Jac Morgan forced his way over amid a crowd of bodies but his effort was ruled out after a long review for a ruck infringement.

It mattered little as the visitors scored from their next possession with Carre crashing over from close range to level the scores.

Argentina turned up the heat with two more tries to lead 28-14 at half-time.

Kremer drove over before Carreras finished off a more flowing attack after a sustained spell of pressure.

The hosts took a firm grip on proceedings after the restart as Piccardo sent the supporting No 8 Oviedo over for his second of the contest.

Wales refused to give up and gave themselves a glimmer of hope as prop Warren found space to touch down but Argentina comfortably saw out the closing stages.

What's next?

Argentina will host England for their third Nations Championship fixture at Estadio Unico in Santiago del Estero on Saturday July 18 (8.10pm kick-off).

Wales will travel to South Africa for their third Test of the summer, also on Saturday July 18, at Kings Park Stadium in Durban (4.40pm kick-off).

2026 Nations Championship summer fixtures - all kick-off times BST

July 4

• New Zealand 34-32 France
• Japan 27-10 Italy
• Australia 31-33 Ireland
• Fiji 24-39 Wales
• South Africa 45-21 England
• Argentina 38-47 Scotland

July 11

• New Zealand 47-17 Italy
• Australia 26-42 France
• Japan 20-36 Ireland
• Fiji 8-73 England
• South Africa 42-28 Scotland
• Argentina 35-21 Wales

July 18

• New Zealand vs Ireland (8.10am)
• Japan vs France (9.40am)
• Australia vs Italy (11.10am)
• Fiji vs Scotland (2.10pm)
• South Africa vs Wales (4.40pm)
• Argentina vs England (8.10pm)