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Rugby Union

Wales boost spirits with Pumas win

18/08/2007

Wales' World Cup preparations appear to be gathering pace as Gareth Jenkins' side put on a fine show in overcoming Argentina 27-20 at the Millennium Stadium.

After their fringe players' 62-5 drubbing at the hands of England two weeks ago the Dragons' first-string side showed they were still a force to be reckoned with as they surged into a 24-7 lead at half-time.

The Pumas nibbled away at the hosts' lead but failed to reel in the gap as the home side hung on for a notable win.

It was the southern-hemisphere side who stuck first with a looping pass from Gareth Thomas easily read by Ignacio Corleto who outpaced the wrong-footed Welsh defenders to cross under the posts.

Frederico Todeschini added the extras and the Cardiff crowd found their side 7-0 down with just five minutes on the clock.

But James Hook added to his burgeoning reputation by swinging the game back in Wales' favour with a devastating break that tore a gaping hole in the Puma's backline.

The Ospreys star sold a delightful dummy to step inside the Argentine defence before feeding Thomas to make amends for his earlier mistake by scoring his side's first try.

Wales applied more pressure to their opponents' line and took the lead when Wyn Jones burst over from Dwayne Peel's quickly-run penalty before Mark Jones won a foot-race to the line from Hook's hack forward to further build the advantage.

Argentina rallied after the interval but Corleto's second score and some assured kicking from Todeschini proved insufficient for victory.

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