England shoot down Pumas

England bounced back from last week's defeat to the Barbarians at Twickenham with a convincing 37-15 win over Argentina at Old Trafford.

Martin Johnson's side ran in three tries with Matt Banahan touching down on his international debut and Delon Armitage grabbing two opportunistic scores in the second half.

Both Armitage's tries owed much to the footballing skills of Manchester United fan Mark Cueto who was seemingly inspired by playing at Old Trafford as he twice intelligently volleyed forward to allow the London Irish full-back to score.

Andy Goode added four penalties and a pair of drop-goals, while all of Argentina's points came from the boot of Juan Martin Hernandez.

Physical defence

The opening half saw just one try scored by either side, England the ones to breach their opponents' physical defence thanks to a deft kick from Armitage.

The London Irish full-back swapped passes with Cueto next to the right touchline to create space before putting in a superbly-weighted grubber that bounced kindly for Banahan to grab before bursting over the line.

Andy Goode converted from in front of the posts during a personal kicking contest between himself and opposite number Hernandez.

It was the Argentine number 10 who struck first after England had made a mess of a line-out throw near their own line, a drop goal from the Stade Francais man providing the opening points of the afternoon.

However, the reliable goalkicker failed to find the target with his first penalty attempt from out wide on the left.

Goode levelled matters with a penalty of own and, after missing another penalty, sandwiched two drop goals in between Banahan's maiden international try to make it 19-3.

A pair of Hernandez penalties closed the gap to 10 points at the break, but the duel continued after the restart as first Goode then Hernandez kicked another penalty apiece.

The Argentine then drew his side within seven at 22-15 with his fourth of the afternoon on 51 minutes as Danny Care was penalised for throwing the ball away after being dragged into touch having covered a quick kick forward by the same player.

At that stage the Pumas looked capable of turning the game around, but further indiscipline allowed Goode another shot at goal and his successful kick restored England's ten-point margin.

Breathing space

They earned themselves real breathing space as Armitage claimed his first try just before the hour mark, the score owing much to Care's sharp break from a scrum.

The Harlequins man darted through a gap in the Argentina backline before swinging out a pass for Cueto which the winger did well to guide forward with his foot allowing Armitage to touch down.

Goode landed the conversion but was unable to add a fifth penalty on 65 minutes, shanking wide amid booing from the crowd who were eager to see England press on for further tries.

They got their wish in the final minute as Cueto raced on to Goode's delicately-weighted chip to volley forward into space and again it was Armitage who won the sprint to the ball, outpacing three Argentine defenders to ensure England finished with a flourish.