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Crappy Poms and Pumas upstaged by a streaker

With 13 minutes left, replacement halfback Ben Youngs scored, allowing England to come from behind and narrowly defeat Argentina 13-9 in their opening match of the Rugby World Cup 2011.

Nonetheless, the Pumas will lament their missed chances to gain a substantial lead, as their strategy focused on a strong forward performance and tough defense.

Between them, skipper Felipe Contepomi and fullback Martin Rodriguez managed only three penalties from nine attempts before England turned the tide.

Rodriguez especially struggled, converting just two of his seven attempts as England consistently infringed at the breakdown.

However, the match was so poor that a streaker stole the spotlight from both teams… honestly, that was the most entertaining aspect of the game. When England finally scored a try, they appeared quite taken aback. Given their negative, lackluster kicking game, it’s no surprise that they’ve earned such animosity. I don’t mind them succeeding in the World Cup… honestly, I don’t… but for the love of the game, please start playing rugby.

And seriously, what was up with England’s all-black attire? Was it a gesture of respect, or were they just mocking everyone?

This match marked the first international event held at the newly covered Otago Stadium, where England’s sharpshooter Jonny Wilkinson also struggled with his accuracy.

Despite the absence of wind, Wilkinson managed only three successful kicks out of eight.

However, his first kick, a penalty to equalize at 3-3, made him the first player to surpass 250 World Cup points.

The decisive moment occurred 11 minutes before the end.

Leading 9-3, Argentina conceded a penalty following winger Gonzalo Carmacho’s dangerous tackle on fullback Ben Foden.

England chose to kick to the corner, and from that set play, Youngs spotted an opening to score near the posts.

Wilkinson’s conversion put his team ahead for the first time, and he added another penalty shortly after.

For the Pumas, the loss was exacerbated by injuries to first five-eighth Contepomi and centre Gonzalo Tiesi.

While the match was intensely fought, it also featured lighter moments, such as England hooker Steve Thompson ending a heated argument with Mario Ledesma by kissing Ledesma’s forehead.

Argentina will travel to Invercargill to face Romania next Saturday, while England will stay in Dunedin and take on Georgia the following day.

Buford Balony says: This was the worst game of any sport ever.

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