Argentina bounced back from a heavy opening-round defeat to beat Wales 35-21 in San Juan on Saturday, recording their first victory in the Nations Championship.
After losing 47-38 to Scotland in their first match, the Pumas ran in five tries to Wales' three to move level on one win from two games with France, Scotland, England, Wales and Japan. Australia, Fiji and Italy are still searching for their first win, while South Africa and New Zealand remain unbeaten in the southern conference and Ireland in the north.
"We knew that Wales were going to be tough and a quality side," Argentina captain Julian Montoya said. "They're getting better and better and we knew they were never going to go away. We got better in a lot of things and we're really proud of getting the win."
Argentina led 28-14 at half-time after a first period that offered a sharp contrast in styles. The Pumas used the length of their backline, with Justo Piccardo and Lucio Cinti strong in midfield and winger Bautista Delguy dangerous with ball in hand and in the air. Wales kicked for field position and relied on their tight forwards, scoring first in the fourth minute when hooker and captain Dewi Lake drove over from a maul.
Backrower Joaquin Oviedo levelled two minutes later, taking a pass from scrumhalf Gonzalo Garcia, before Wales edged ahead through prop Rhys Carre in the 23rd minute. Argentina finished the half the stronger, with tries in the final five minutes from Marcos Kremer — after a lineout drive — and fullback Santiago Carreras, who crossed untouched after a long Delguy pass.
Oviedo completed his double with the first try of the second half in the eighth minute, and Wales, forced into more than 100 first-half tackles with 23 missed, never recovered. Replacement prop Ben Warren gave them brief hope with a 67th-minute try — Costelow converted to cut the margin to 14 — but the comeback never arrived.
Argentina carried the ball for more than 470 metres; Wales managed barely a third of that.
"We were a bit inconsistent in parts today," Wales captain Dewi Lake said. "We started quickly but probably had a little drop-off... We allowed Argentina to get back on top and I think ultimately we left ourselves too much to do."
Wales face world champions South Africa next week in their final match of the first stage.
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