England 33-19 Wales

England began their Rugby World Cup preparations yesterday with a 33-19 victory over Wales at Twickenham. Bath Rugby's Joe Cokanasiga, Charlie Ewels, Jonathan Joseph and Anthony Watson all impressed, as they ended Wales' 14-game unbeaten run.

Billy Vunipola and Cokanasiga scored from close range in the early exchanges, before a solo effort from Gareth Davies got the visitors back in the game. Luke Cowan-Dickie then scored his first England try to give his side a 14-point lead before half-time.

George North and Wyn Jones kicked off a second-half comeback for Wales with a try each, but two penalties from George Ford and an Elliot Daly drop-goal secured victory for Eddie Jones' side.

Argentina 13-46 South Africa

Francois Louw came on in the 55th minute to help South Africa secure their first Rugby Championship title since 2009.

The Springboks were convincing 46-13 winners against Argentina in Salta on Saturday, with fly-half Handre Pollard scoring 31 of 46 points. South Africa ran in five tries through Mbongeni Mbonambi, Handre Pollard (2), Makazole Mapimpi and Cheslin Kolbe.

South Africa clinched the title by four points from Australia, with New Zealand and Argentina finishing in third and fourth respectively.

England U18 29-19 Argentina U18

England U18s were beaten in their opening game of the U18 International Series, with Argentina coming out 29-19 winners in Stellenbosch, South Africa.

Argentina led 17-7 at the break through tries from Baustista Grenon and Facundo Villalba as well as seven points from the boot of Julian Hernandez. England crossed through Louis Hillman-Cooper with Bath Rugby's Orlando Bailey adding the extras.

Villalba sniped through for a second Argentina try which Hernandez converted for a 17-7 half-time lead. England pressed to get back into the game in the later stages of the match but Piccardo had a fourth try for Argentina. Sam Bryan scored a late consolation, but were unable to bridge the gap on their South American rivals.

International Round-Up

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