Williams inspires Wales to tame Pumas

Argentina 20 Wales 35

Shane Williams scored a devastating hat-trick of first-half tries as Wales levelled the Test series against Argentina in Buenos Aires.

Williams benefited from superb teamwork for his first and third scores but it was his solo effort after 11 minutes that will live long in the memory.

In the land of tango the Neath-Swansea Ospreys wing bedazzled the home defence with some dancing lessons of his own to score.

That was part of the dream start Wales had hoped for.

The tourists held a 25-0 half-time lead but after the interval the hosts fought back.

Skipper Charvis was sin-binned two minutes after the break for a professional foul and suddenly it was Wales’ turn to be under pressure.

The Pumas were clearly stung by Wales’ outstanding dominance and clinical finishing in the opening period and with Charvis out of the fray launches a ferocious series of attacks to give them hope.

Fullback Hernan Senillosa punished Charvis’s indiscretion with a penalty and three minutes later replacement Federico Martin Aramburu claimed the Pumas’ first try converted by Senillosa.

Argentina kept up the pressure and were awarded when prop Omar Hassan crashed over amid a heap of bodies.

But Wales’ nerves were soon to settle as Henson kicked a penalty.

And in the 68th minute the visitors finished off their host’s brave fightback with another outstanding score.

Hooker Mefin Davies launched the counter-attack and in turn Parker, Shanklin and Shane Williams took the tackles and timed their passes to perfection for fly-half Robinson to go over for his first Welsh try.

Henson converted and Argentina got the consolation of a try from wing Lucas Borges deep into extra-time.

That happened after Williams was sin-binned for a professional foul but that indiscretion will soon be forgotten with Williams, the star of the show, now with 18 Welsh tries to his name.