Argentina supporters have not reacted well to their side’s defeat by England, with footage emerging of their response as referee Angus Gardner left the pitch after full-time.
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Gardner endured a demanding afternoon in Santiago del Estero, issuing seven yellow cards and making a key decision that denied Los Pumas what appeared to be a match-levelling try.
With the game in the final moments, Bautista Delguy crossed towards the corner and the initial on-field decision was a try. However, after an extensive review, the TMO determined that the ball had been grounded on the touch-in-goal line, overturning the decision and confirming England’s 31-24 victory.
The controversy continued beyond the disallowed try. Several Argentina fans also argued that England’s Noah Caluori should have been penalised for a high tackle on Delguy during the build-up.
Gardner deemed the contact acceptable, while the TMO did not intervene for foul play. However, supporters claimed the incident should have resulted in a penalty try if the tackle had illegally prevented a likely score.
🚨 “LADRÓN, LADRÓN”
😡Así despidieron los hinchas a Angus Gardner, el árbitro que le anuló un try a Delguy sobre el final del partido entre Los Pumas e Inglaterra.
🏉La jugada tenía más de 20 fases y terminaba con el argentino apoyando en el in-goal, pero el TMO consideró que… pic.twitter.com/zUlwEt0HfG
— tendenciadenoticias (@TendenciaDN) July 18, 2026
A video shared by X user @TendenciaDN showed the reaction Gardner received as he walked from the field, with an object that appeared to be a plastic cup thrown in his direction and some supporters shouting “Thief, thief.”
The incident came after a heated match in which Argentina players repeatedly surrounded the referee following several decisions, while both teams were involved in a number of off-the-ball confrontations that added to the tension between the sides.
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England player ratings vs Argentina:
15. Marcus Smith — 7
He had a relatively quiet start but took his opportunities well when called upon, producing a strong tackle on Mateo Carreras and finishing smartly in the corner for the bonus-point try.
Smith was tested by Tomás Albornoz, who managed to bump him off, and was again moved back to scrum-half for the second time in as many weeks.
The decision not to shift him to fly-half during Fin Smith’s HIA was perhaps telling of where he currently stands in Steve Borthwick’s plans.
14. Tommy Freeman — 7
Freeman was reliable and effective throughout, showing excellent awareness to finish off Fin Smith’s cross-field kick for the opening try.
The Northampton Saints winger provided plenty of value through his work-rate, combining strong carries, a smart kick chase and a well-placed touchline kick to build pressure.
Although opportunities were limited, he made the most of his touches and continued to offer a dangerous attacking outlet.
13. Henry Slade — 7
The experienced Exeter Chiefs centre’s combination with Seb Atkinson in midfield looked promising, while he also adapted well when moving to fly-half during Fin Smith’s HIA.
His highlight came defensively, producing a huge tackle on Tomás Albornoz to halt a dangerous attack.
12. Seb Atkinson — 7
Atkinson produced a composed and effective display, showing sharp hands, strong breakdown work and good distribution to help create attacking opportunities.
His direct style and consistency stood out, with the 24-year-old making a strong case to retain the No.12 jersey.
11. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso — 9
Was it Immanuel Feyi-Waboso playing in Santiago del Estero, or prime Julian Savea? It was a standout display from the Exeter Chiefs winger, whose explosive running and powerful carrying caused problems throughout.
He made a series of dangerous breaks, including a superb effort that set up Ben Earl, while his defensive work was equally impressive with a crucial tackle out wide.
He capped a brilliant performance by bursting through for a deserved try.
Feyi Waboso surely wins it for England!
Lovely solo run from the winger, and England, with ten minutes to go, are in prime position to see this out 🔥#NationsChampionship pic.twitter.com/kwm8Eq3WJs
— ITV Rugby (@ITVRugby) July 18, 2026
10. Fin Smith — 8
Smith has now firmly established himself as England’s first-choice No.10, with his composure and decision-making leaving little doubt over his place in the side.
He once again showed his quality with a perfectly weighted kick to Tommy Freeman to create the opening try, continuing a partnership that has become a key attacking weapon.
Despite an unlucky knock-on with the try-line at his mercy, Smith remained composed, returning from a mouthguard-related HIA to land a huge touchline conversion under pressure.