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International Round-Up: Wales clinch series in Santa Fe

18th June 2018


Cardiff Blues' international players had reason to celebrate this weekend, with Wales and Wales Under-20 finishing their campaigns on a high, while USA Eagles sealed a memorable victory.

Argentina 12 Wales 30

Wales made it three from three in their summer tour, as they secured an impressive victory over Argentina in Santa Fe.

Warren Gatland's side, who already had wins over Springboks and Los Pumas under their belts this summer, ensured they would finish the summer with a 100 per cent record, thanks to tries from Josh Adams and Hallam Amos.

Tour co-captain, Ellis Jenkins, returned to the starting line-up, with Cardiff Blues quartet - Dillon Lewis, Josh Turnbull, Tomos Williams and Gareth Anscombe - also making an appearance from the bench.

Cardiff Blues academy product, Rhys Patchell, also contributed 14-points from the boot, as Wales clinched their first series win in Argentina since 1999.

Wales Under-20 34 Italy Under-20 17

Max Llewellyn crossed the whitewash as Wales Under-20 secured seventh place in the World Rugby Under-20 Championship with a convincing victory over their Italian counterparts.

Tries from Scarlets duo, Ryan Conbeer and Dan Davies, either side of Giovanni D'Onofrio's effort, saw Geraint Lewis' side take the lead.

Wales were also awarded a penalty try, but Italy were given hope of a comeback thanks to hooker Niccolo Taddia. 

However, Llewellyn's score put the result beyond doubt, despite a late consolation score from Azzurri prop Guido Romano.

USA 30 Scotland 29

Blaine Scully captained USA to a stunning victory over Scotland in Houston, as the Eagles sealed their first win over a Tier 1 nation since the 1924 Olympic Games.

Gregor Townsend's side raced to an early lead, thanks to a try from Blair Kinghorn. A yellow card to Samu Manoa looked to have put a major dent in the Eagles' hopes, and it was a double-blow as referee Wayne Barnes awarded the visitors a penalty try.

Despite the reliable boot of AJ MacGinty, Scotland seemed to be out of sight as hooker George Turner touched down for his fourth try in 85 minutes of international action this season.

However, USA sparked a remarkable comeback, as Joe Taufete'e scored a brace alongside a score from Hanco Germishuys gave the hosts the lead.

Dougie Fife crossed for a dramatic score in the closing minutes, but Kinghorn's conversion was off-target, allowing Scully's USA to pick up their seventh consecutive victory.