England Argentina Rugby International

ENGLAND ARGENTINA RUGBY INTERNATIONAL – THE HISTORY & THE OUTSTANDING HUGO PORTA.

In 1981 was the first England Argentina Rugby International. England were the first of the Home Nations to tour Argentina. And to take advantage of the International Board ruling that full caps could be awarded for matches against non-IB countries.

England were expected to defeat Argentina

England fielded a string team. Bill Beaumont was captain. Steve Smith, Clive Woodard and Paul Dodge were included in the backs. Also, Dusty Hare and John Carleton. In addition, the forwards included John Scott, Mike Rafter and Colin Smart.
England were expected to win comfortably. However led by the great Hugo Porta. The game ended a draw 19-19. Marcello Campo scored 2 tries. In addition Porta kicked a conversion, a penalty and a drop goal. Also, Tomás Landajo added a drop goal.

Argentina Rugby International Ace Hugo Porta

Hugo Porta’s achievements at international level are almost incomparable with any other player. While many players make an impact on a team or competition, Porta’s unique talents lifted Argentina from their status as a minor nation to one of respect among the international rugby community.
A fly-half who was able to drop a goal on a sixpence. Porta rose to prominence during the 1970s. He made his international debut against neighbours Chile in October 1971. And won three further caps against Uruguay. Along with Brazil and Paraguay that year.

The Pumas beat the Wallabies Rugby

In October 1979 a watershed moment occurred for Argentinean rugby. When Porta and the Pumas defeated Australia 24-13 in Buenos Aries. Porta landed two conversions. Along with three drop-goals and a penalty during the game that put the Argentinean side on the map. An 18-18 draw with France followed. And Porta was again responsible for all of his side’s points on this occasion.

Then, not content with beating the Wallabies at home four years earlier, in 1983 Porta’s team registered an 18-3 win over the Australians at Ballymore in Brisbane.

Leading Argentina in Rugby World Cup

Porta’s expertise continued to grow as he faced more and more world-class opposition. Both he and the Pumas grew in confidence. As their results improved into the 1980s. Porta’s skill with the boot had already contributed so much to the Argentina side that it was no surprise when in 1985. He kicked all 21 points in the Pumas historic draw at Ferrocaril Oeste with the mighty All Blacks.

Later in 1985. Porta was awarded the prestigious Clarin Sportsman of the Year award. Porta led Argentina to the inaugural World Cup in 1987. But the Pumas had a torrid time at the tournament. They only registered a single win, 25-16 over Italy. And were humbled by 46-15 by the All Blacks in their final pool match.

England Argentina Rugby International

At the end of the tournament in 1987. Porta announced his retirement from rugby. But he was called back into action against England, Ireland and Scotland in 1990. He will always be remembered by the rugby community as a player of alarming skill and accuracy, and as a man who changed the fortunes of his beloved national side.

The Argentina team of 2022 will get inspiration from the great Hugo Porta and the pioneers of Argentine rugby. England Argentina Rugby International on the 22nd November at Twickenham will be 25th fixture between the nations. However, the 26th fixture is perhaps more important when the two countries clash in the Rugby World Cup. On the 9th September 2021 at the Stade Vélodrome, Marseille.

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