Pumas lead Lions by three at the break

Lions 16 Argentina 19

The Lions’ hopes of leaving for New Zealand with a morale boosting warm-up victory against Argentina under their belts were in danger of being derailed at the Millennium Stadium tonight.

Sir Clive Woodward’s side produced a dreadful first half in which they were comprehensively outplayed for long spells by a hastily assembled Pumas outfit consisting of just nine full-time professionals.

Winger Jose Nunez Piossek touched down, but Argentina’s star performer was fly-half Federico Todeschini who slotted all five of his shots at goal in a magnificent display of kicking.

Jonny Wilkinson had a hand in the Lions’ try, setting up the score for centre Ollie Smith, and the England outside-half also contributed 11 points with the boot.