ENGLAND 27-10 ARGENTINA: George Ford kicks all the points for Steve Borthwick’s side, who dominate the Pumas to open their tournament with a win, despite losing Tom Curry early on
George Ford was the star of the show, kicking all 27 points, as 14-man England produced a rousing performance to beat Argentina in their opening game at the Rugby World Cup.
Tom Curry was sent off after just two minutes and 59 seconds – before many fans made it into the Stade Velodrome in Marseille – for a high tackle on Juan Cruz Mallia after the Argentina full-back took a high ball. The England flanker was initially shown a yellow card, but saw his punishment upgraded on review.
England went 3-0 down from the resulting penalty, via the boot of Emiliano Boffelli, but then rallied impressively, with Ford’s kicking coming to the fore. The fly-half, who was the creative fulcrum in the absence of the banned Owen Farrell, sunk three drop-goals in the first half, as well as a penalty, to have Steve Borthwick’s side 12-3 up at half-time.
Stand-in captain Courtney Lawes lead England in defence, with Borthwick’s side dominant at the break-down and in the scrum, despite Curry’s absence. Argentina came into the World Cup full of confidence, having beaten New Zealand, Australia and England in the past year, but could not get a foothold in the game.