Pumas impress in New Zealand tour opener
by Huw Turner
June 17, 2001

The Argentinians got their four-match tour of New Zealand under way in Pukekohe on Sunday afternoon with an emphatic 70-26 win over NPC First Division side Counties-Manukau.

The Pumas scored 11 tries and showed themselves capable of playing an expansive game to make use of the skills and pace of their three quarters. They opened the game in compelling form , running up 39 points in the first half hour before the Counties side were able to get into the game. The home side then enjoyed a purple patch on either side of half time when they put together 19 unanswered points of their own. The Pumas may just have relaxed , but aided by the second half sin-binning of replacement John Akurangi they regained their composure to stretch away from Counties to secure the win in the second half.

The Pumas seem certain to offer the All Blacks stern opposition in Christchurch next Saturday, but on the evidence of today's match seem vulnerable to opponents who can get the ball wide quickly and often. On Tuesday they play Thames in Poeroa and after the test they complete the tour against the Maori in Rotorua.

Scorers :

Counties -Manukau : 26 : Tries : Petelo, Feeney, Lee, Mealamu. Conversions : Crichton (3).

Argentina : 70 : Tries : Stortoni (3), Mendez (2), Martin, Camardon, Contepomi, Allub, Albanese , Orengo. Conversions : Contepomi ( 6) Penalty : Contepomi.

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