Wales U20 suffer last-gasp Pumas defeat in opener

Evan Minto used to play at centre before converting to a back-rower

World Rugby Under-20 Championship

Argentina (19) 34

Tries: Arocena, Rapetti 2, Silva, Fiszman Cons: Benedit 3 Penalty: Benedit

Wales (24) 27

Tries: Penalty try, S Emanuel, Minto Cons: Ford 2 Pens: Ford 2

Argentina scored a late try to deny Wales victory in a thrilling World Rugby Under-20 Championship opener.

Richard Whiffin's side had taken a commanding 24-7 lead but allowed the Pumas back into the tightly fought contest in the evening heat of Verona.

Louis Trevett looked to have clinched it for Wales after the scores had been tied for most of the second half, but his try was chalked off for foul play in the build-up.

Argentina then took the ball up the length of the field with Agustin Garcia campos Fiszman crashing over at the death to claim the bonus-point victory and break Welsh hearts.

Wales had got off to a dream start when they were awarded a penalty try for a deliberate knock-on by full-back Pascal Senillosa, who was sent to the sin bin.

Argentina responded after Tadeo Ledesma Arocena rode several tackles to crash over, but they were again reduced to 14 when Fiszman was shown a yellow card for an infringement at the ruck.

Wales took full advantage and their centres combined well to send Steffan Emanuel over in the corner.

Their lead was extended when Evan Minto was the quickest to pounce on an overthrown lineout, the back-rower showing neat footwork before diving under the posts.

Argentina hit back through a well-worked driving lineout with Tomas Rapetti breaking away to get his side's second.

They then caught Wales napping when Harri Ford made an uncharacteristic mistake in kicking the restart straight into touch. Timoteo Silva took quick lineout ball before winning a 50m footrace to the line.

Argentina's momentum continued after the break, their forwards showing typical Pumas power which allowed Rapetti to power over to bring the scores level.

Wales almost hit back through Ioan Emanuel, brother of their earlier try-scorer, but his effort was disallowed for a double movement to the line.

Ford and Rafael Benedit exchanged penalties before the Pumas pack spent a good spell camped on Wales' try line, but the defence was heroic.

Wales finished strongly and earned a penalty, but replacement fly-half Harri Wilde was off target from the tee.

They then came close to scoring what could have been the try of the opening round, with Tom Bowen bursting out of his own half before offloading to an equally dynamic Aidan Boshoff.

The ball was recycled out to the forwards and while Trevett crossed for the try, play was brought back after Deian Gwynne was shown to have committed an illegal neck-roll tackle.

Trevett then gifted Argentina a penalty which allowed them back into Wales' territory for one final attack and it was Fiszman's score which proved decisive.

Argentina: Pascal Senillosa; Timoteo Silva, Pedro Coll, Felipe Ledesma (capt), Bautista Lescano; Rafael Benedit, Felix Corletto; Juan Rodriguez, Tadeo Ledesma Arocena, Tomas Rapetti, Tomas Duclos, Alvaro Garcia Iandolino, Tomas Dande, Santiago Neyra, Agustín Garcia campos Fiszman.

Replacements: Jerónimo Otano, Diego Correa, Gael Galvan, Valentino Freiria, Pampa Storey, Fabricio Griffo Zaradnik, Ramon Fernandez Miranda, Aquiles Vieyra.

Wales: Jack Woods; Elijah Evans, Osian Roberts, Steffan Emanuel, Aidan Boshoff; Harri Ford, Sion Davies; Ioan Emanuel, Harry Thomas, Sam Scott, Kenzie Jenkins, Nick Thomas, Deian Gwynne, Harry Beddall (capt), Evan Minto.

Replacements: Saul Hurley, Louie Trevett, Owain James, Dan Gemine, Caio James, Ellis Lewis, Harri Wilde, Tom Bowen.

Wales' remaining Pool B fixtures

Friday, 4 July

France U20 v Wales U20, Stadio Mario Battaglini, Rovigo (14:30 BST)

Wednesday, 9 July

Wales U20 v Spain U20, Payanini Center, Verona (14:30 BST).