Pumas end losing streak

Italy 14 Argentina 22

Argentina ended their four-game losing run, and in so doing improved their prospects of receiving a top-four seeding at next month’s World Cup draw, with a win against Italy in Turin today.

The Pumas have lost the lustre of the side that reached the semi-finals of the last World Cup under new coach Santiago Phelan, winning just once in five games under his stewardship before today.

But 17 points from the boot of Felipe Contepomi and a second-half try from recalled winger Rafael Carballo ensured they profited on England’s defeat against Australia at Twickenham to keep alive their hopes of claiming a top-four place in the International Rugby Board’s rankings by the end of the month.

That position is vital with the IRB rankings to be used as the basis for seeding teams at next month’s draw for the 2011 World Cup.

With November 30 the cut-off date for those positions to be decided, the Pumas now know victory against Ireland next weekend will give them a great chance to claim a top-four place with England to host top-ranked New Zealand.

Today’s game at the Stadio Olimpico had been tied at 3-3 with a minute remaining in a bruising first half, but a couple of Contepomi penalties gave the visitors a 9-3 lead at the break.

Italy fly-half Andrea Marcato added the second of his three penalties shortly after the break to bring the hosts to within three points, only to see Carballo cross after 50 minutes to put the Pumas ahead 17-6.

From there the visitors remained in control, thanks to the steady boot of Contepomi who slotted home five of his seven penalty attempts, to render Andrea Masi’s try a minute from time as consolation.