It was a harsh reality check for Wales. After ending a run of 18 consecutive defeats against Japan last July, the Welsh suffered another heavy defeat against Argentina on Sunday in Cardiff (28-52). In his first game in charge of the national team, Steve Tandy failed to find a miracle solution and his players often looked helpless against the Pumas.

The desire to believe in a lasting ray of sunshine had taken hold in the hearts of all Welsh fans, who had been bruised by two years of defeats but relieved in July by a victory over Japan that signalled a bright spot. In the stands of the Principality Stadium, many Welsh supporters were convinced that a new winning cycle could emerge with the appointment of coach Steve Tandy and the return of prodigious winger Louis Rees-Zammit for this match. However, the 50,000 fans at the Principality Stadium quickly realised that this courageous Welsh team was still not good enough to compete with a nation of Argentina’s calibre and its status as a semi-finalist in the last World Cup.

After 12 minutes, the Pumas had already scored two tries through Delgado (0-7, 9th) and Carreras (12th). Wales’ defensive weaknesses on the wings were glaringly obvious after just a few minutes, and would prove costly throughout the match. With their pride wounded from the outset, the Welsh showed great determination to react and get back into the game as quickly as possible.

After a break by Rogers and a brilliant offload by captain Jac Morgan, Tomos Williams ran in a try in the 16th minute to bring his side back into the game (7-14). The Welsh forwards then helped them close the gap on Argentina. Following a penalty played by hand at the 5m line, Dewi Lake charged the Argentine defence with the ball in hand and scored his first try for the national team (14-14).

Hope was restored, but Ben Thomas was shown a yellow card in the 28th minute, leaving his team with 14 men. However, thanks to their valiant forwards and fly-half Tomos Williams, who was in inspired form on Sunday, Wales managed to hold on for a long time despite being a man down. Nevertheless, despite their courage, the Welsh finally collapsed just before half-time. With Ben Thomas still off the pitch, the Argentinians found space and scored in the 39th minute. Then, on the kick-off, the Welsh conceded a fourth try, which seemed to tip the balance of the match for good (14-31).

Louis Rees-Zammit returns

After returning from the changing rooms, the men in red still seemed stunned. Once again caught on the wings, they conceded another try in the 44th minute (14-38). This was the moment Steve Standy chose to bring Louis Rees-Zammit back onto the field at Principality Stadium, the temple of the most memorable moments in the career of the flamboyant Welsh winger. Rees-Zammit had decided to end his rugby career to devote himself to American football in 2024. His stint in the NFL with the Kansas City Chiefs proved unsuccessful, so he returned this season to what he does best, signing with Bristol Rugby Club. After a good start to the 2025-2026 season, Rees-Zammit earned another call-up to the national team two years later.

His entrance was warmly welcomed by the Welsh crowd and gave Steve Standy’s players a boost for a few minutes. Wales created a string of chances. Captain Jac Morgan, who had a brilliant game, was rewarded in the 55th minute. The Ospreys captain powered his way through the Argentine defence (21-38). Unfortunately, Morgan injured his shoulder while grounding the ball and had to leave the field.

Then, despite another Argentine try and the severity of the score, the Welsh, courageous in front of their home crowd, remained lively. Blair Murray scored the last try for Steve Standy’s men in the 73rd minute, for honour’s sake. The Argentines concluded their offensive festival in the 80th minute to finish the match with a score of 28-52.

The Welsh held their own against the Pumas for almost half the match but will have to show even more to win against Japan next week, again at home. Without Jac Morgan, captain and key player of the team, the task looks daunting. However, the Japanese team, which is the only one Wales has beaten since the 2023 World Cup, could bring back fond memories for the Welsh. After all, what better place than the land of the rising sun to find a ray of sunshine?

Picture : Léo Billard / Sport W