Player ratings: Dragons slayed
The Six Nations and Grand Slam champions Wales got their November campaign off to a disappointing start – a 12-26 loss to Argentina.
It was a dreary performance by Wales, who looked nothing like the team that swept all before them in the Northern Hemisphere championship earlier in the year or the side that ran Australia close in June.
It was a very scrappy game on a shocking surface at the Millennium Stadium.
Jan de Koning rates the Welsh players!
15 Leigh Halfpenny:
He was a rock in the last line of defence – never troubled under the high ball and always look to have so much time with ball in hand. Made plenty of metres and his goal-kicking was invaluable as well.
7/10
14 Alex Cuthbert:
One of the team's main ball carriers in the backline, but was well watched by the Puma defenders and could show a bit more variation.
6/10
13 Scott Williams:
Made a big statement early on defence and was a rock, but could have showed a bit more variation.
6/10
12 Jamie Roberts:
He was a bit predictable in the first half, an easy target for the Puma defenders. Then he was out cold after a poor attempted tackle in the 22nd minute and left the field.
4/10
11 George North:
Always exciting with the ball in hand, but it was his work on defence that really impressed – including a very crucial intercept in the first half>
7/10
10 Rhys Priestland:
Showed some good skills and some monstrous touchfinders. His tackle count was also the highest among the Welsh backs.
6/10
9 Tavis Knoyle:
Took his chance in place of Mike Phillips, who may have problems reclaiming the No.9 jersey. Penalised twice for skew feeds at the scrum – a rare sight indeed.
6/10
8 Toby Faletau:
As always, strong with ball in hand. However, conceded a couple of free kicks at the line-out, missed a couple of tackles and then more penalties after the break.
4/10
7 Sam Warburton (captain):
Worked like a demon on defence and made a real nuisance of himself at the breakdown. However, the Puma pack managed to negate his effectiveness by forcing him into a more defensive game.
7/10
6 Josh Turnbull:
He missed a few tackles, but he worked hard throughout and was second in the successful tackle count. However, there was a crucial penalty in the second half that cost his team dearly.
6/10
5 Ian Evans:
Clumsy tackle that cost his team three points early in first half, but kept working on defence and his tackle count went into double figures.
6/10
4 Alun-Wyn Jones:
There was a really stupid late tackle on Juan Martin Hernandez and was lucky not to be yellow carded. Soon after there was another penalty for coming in at the side of the ruck when his team was building towards a try and he also lost the ball in a tackle – had a real mare before he left the field with an injury right on half-time.
3/10
3 Aaron Jarvis:
He showed that even in the absence of Adam Jones Wales do have some depth at tighthead. Had one of the highest tackle counts in the team.
6/10
2 Matthew Rees:
Had a rather quiet game and it was a surprise he was not subbed earlier.
5/10
1 Gethin Jenkins:
Worked hard on defence and while he stood his ground in the scrums for most part, conceded a scrum penalty at a vital stage.
5/10
Replacements:
16 Richard Hibbard (on for Rees, 60th min):
Had a few decent carries, but missed a crucial tackle.
5/10
17 Ryan Bevington (on for Jenkins, 68th min):
Not enough time to be rated.
18 Paul James (on for Jarvis, 60th min):
Good, strong carries and hard work on defence in his short sty on the pitch.
6/10
19 Rob McCusker (on for Jones, 39th min):
He cost his team dearly with a poor option late in the second half, when they still had an outside chance if only they scored a try. He conceded a penalty.
5/10
20 Justin Tipuric (on for Warburton, 70th min):
Not enough time to be rated.
21 Mike Phillips (on for Knoyle, 56th min):
Made a few good tackle, but did little else to enhance his reputation.
5/10
22 James Hook (on for Roberts, 22nd min):
Showed why he is now mostly a bench player – steady rather than spectacular.
5/10
23 Liam Williams:
Not used.
