George Ford produced a man-of-the-match performance to guide England to a last-gasp victory over Argentina in San Juan.
Ford, who returns to Leicester Tigers this summer, scored 23 points, including a second-half try as England beat Los Pumas 38-34 through Denny Solomona’s late score.
The fly-half’s performance was described as “absolutely brilliant” by head coach Eddie Jones and saw him voted man-of-the-match by England supporters.
But Ford warned England face an even sterner challenge in the second and final Test in Santa Fe.
Ford said: “The boys put a good shift in. I think the first game of the tour, it's always nice to start with a win.
"We know it will be harder next week so we'll go back, we'll train hard and hopefully put in a better performance next week."
Tigers prop Ellis Genge made his first start and won his second international cap in a young England team, that was without its British & Irish Lions.
Tom Curry (Sale Sharks), Alex Lozowski (Saracens), Harry Williams (Exeter Chiefs) and Mark Wilson (Newcastle Falcons) all made their international debuts. Solomona replaced Yarde on 50 minutes to make his England debut as did Will Collier, Don Armand, Nick Isiekwe and Jack Maunder.
After the game Genge tweeted: “Congrats to all the debutants @EnglandRugby, we go again.”
Tries from Emiliano Boffelli and Tomas Lavanini, as well as seven points from the boot of Nicolas Sanchez, gave Argentina a four-point lead at the break with Marland Yarde scoring England’s try, which George Ford converted along with two penalties.
The lead continued to change hands throughout an enthralling second-half with Jonny May and Ford going over for England, while Jeronimo de la Fuente and Joaquin Tuculet, did likewise for Argentina.
Juan Martin Hernandez looked to have won the game with a late drop goal, however Solomona sealed the win late in the game with Ford converting.
Tigers prop Dan Cole, meanwhile, came off the bench in the second half for the British & Irish Lions as they earned a 12-3 victory over Crusaders in their third tour match on Saturday.
Owen Farrell, playing at fly-half, kicked all four penalties in a tight game on a greasy surface in Christchurch to inflict a first defeat on the in-form Super Rugby side this season.
Ford, who returns to Leicester Tigers this summer, scored 23 points, including a second-half try as England beat Los Pumas 38-34 through Denny Solomona’s late score.
The fly-half’s performance was described as “absolutely brilliant” by head coach Eddie Jones and saw him voted man-of-the-match by England supporters.
But Ford warned England face an even sterner challenge in the second and final Test in Santa Fe.
Ford said: “The boys put a good shift in. I think the first game of the tour, it's always nice to start with a win.
"We know it will be harder next week so we'll go back, we'll train hard and hopefully put in a better performance next week."
Tigers prop Ellis Genge made his first start and won his second international cap in a young England team, that was without its British & Irish Lions.
Tom Curry (Sale Sharks), Alex Lozowski (Saracens), Harry Williams (Exeter Chiefs) and Mark Wilson (Newcastle Falcons) all made their international debuts. Solomona replaced Yarde on 50 minutes to make his England debut as did Will Collier, Don Armand, Nick Isiekwe and Jack Maunder.
After the game Genge tweeted: “Congrats to all the debutants @EnglandRugby, we go again.”
Tries from Emiliano Boffelli and Tomas Lavanini, as well as seven points from the boot of Nicolas Sanchez, gave Argentina a four-point lead at the break with Marland Yarde scoring England’s try, which George Ford converted along with two penalties.
The lead continued to change hands throughout an enthralling second-half with Jonny May and Ford going over for England, while Jeronimo de la Fuente and Joaquin Tuculet, did likewise for Argentina.
Juan Martin Hernandez looked to have won the game with a late drop goal, however Solomona sealed the win late in the game with Ford converting.
Tigers prop Dan Cole, meanwhile, came off the bench in the second half for the British & Irish Lions as they earned a 12-3 victory over Crusaders in their third tour match on Saturday.
Owen Farrell, playing at fly-half, kicked all four penalties in a tight game on a greasy surface in Christchurch to inflict a first defeat on the in-form Super Rugby side this season.
