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Wales took step back against Pumas – prop Carre
Wales suffered a 35-21 defeat by Argentina in San Juan in round two of the Nations Championship, and prop Rhys Carre admitted his side had "taken a step back" compared with their recent form. The loss ended a mini revival under head coach Steve Tandy, who had overseen Test wins against Italy and Fiji, either side of a victory over the Barbarians. Carre said the Pumas had improved on their previous outing, and warned that Argentina would punish any team not performing at 100%.
Wales struck first through captain and hooker Dewi Lake from a driving line-out, and after two Argentina tries, Carre levelled with a powerful carry, taking his tally to five tries in six Tests. The Saracens loose-head, who has become an attacking weapon under attack coach Matt Sherratt after being frozen out by Warren Gatland, credited training-ground moves off penalties for his scoring run. Wales now travel to Durban to face world number one side South Africa on Saturday, 18 July (16:40 BST), with Carre insisting the demands of travel would not be used as an excuse.
In short
- Wales lost 35-21 to Argentina in the Nations Championship.
- Carre says Wales regressed but scored his fifth try in six Tests.
- Wales face world's best South Africa in Durban on 18 July.
Explained simply
Wales is competing in the Nations Championship, an international rugby tournament. The team had recently improved under coach Steve Tandy, winning against Italy and Fiji. Their loss to Argentina in the second round ended this period of better form.
Rhys Carre is a prop for Wales who had been excluded from selection under previous coach Warren Gatland but has now returned as an important attacking player. He has scored five tries in six recent matches, including one in this match. His return reflects Wales' change in approach to their playing style.
The defeat ended Wales' recent run of victories. The team now faces South Africa, the world's top-ranked rugby nation, in their next match.