In one of the most entertaining Test matches in recent years, a vastly inexperienced England side fought back from an eight-point deficit to defeat Argentina 38-34 in San Juan

Denny Solomona's stunning try two minutes from time completed the comeback victory in the first of two Test matches between the sides, with Eddie Jones side missing many of their usual starters due to their participation in the ongoing British and Irish Lions tour. 

Ford pulls the strings as England grab late win

With a number of first-choice players unavailable, England's experienced core who had missed out on Lions selection played a crucial role in gaining victory.

George Ford stood out in victory for England (image source: Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

Fly-half George Ford produced his best performance of the year to tally 23 points, which included a late try down the right-wing after he linked up well with one the debutants Piers Francis

Skipper Dylan Hartley led his side well for the full 80 minutes, while Joe Launchbury produced a typically bullish performance alongside Bath's Charlie Ewels in the second-row. 

Out wide, Marland Yarde and Jonny May each crossed for tries, with May's five-pointer coming on the back of a sensational break from Henry Slade

Young Curry shines on debut

Jones will be thrilled with the fighting spirit his side showed to overhaul a halftime deficit, and will also have enjoyed the performance of his back-row. In the absence of Billy Vunipola, Wasps' Nathan Hughes carried excellently from the back of the scrum, while two debutants on the flanks really shone. 

Newcastle's Mark Wilson has been one of the most unheralded players in the Premiership and was a rock in defence playing on the blindside, while 18-year-old Tom Curry looks like a star in the making following a blockbusting debut from the openside.

Tom Curry celebrates victory on Test debut (image source: Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

The Sale youngster carried, tackled and jackled like a 50-test veteran and was among the best players on the field. 

For Argentina, a pair of first-half tries from Emiliano Boffelli and Tomas Lavanini gave them a four-point lead at the break, before quickfire scores from Jeronimo de la Fuente and Joaquin Tuculet looked to have handed them victory midway through the second stanza. 

They weren't able to hold on though, and following quick hands from Nick Isiekwe and Launchbury, the ball came to Francis who gave Solomona the ball on halfway. The former Rugby League star then fought off the challenge of three Pumas before breaking clear to cap a memorable encounter with a finish worthy of winning any Test match. 

The sides meet next Saturday evening in Sante Fe for the second half of their series, with Jones' England looking to complete a remarkable series win. 

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