By Duncan Wood
June 23 2002

Buenos Aires will hold fond memories for Phil Christophers from now on. He marked his full England debut with a fine try as England overturned the odds and clinched a famous victory over the Pumas.

It was a really tough game for England. Let's face it, they always are in Argentina. The Pumas had their tails up after last week's win over France and England had a very inexperienced team out.

England did make a bright start with an early penalty from Charlie Hodgson and the Sale fly half almost inspired an early try when his break led to Ben Johnstone being held up over the line.

But Argentina started to get a grip. Agustin Pichot was looking sharp, Quesada kicked well and Contepomi looked dangerous in the centre. The juggernaut Puma pack got moving and England started giving away penalties. Quesada wasn't one to turn them down and kicked 4 out of 5 in the first half.

Hodgson only managed 1 from 3 and 12-3 at half time looked a bit ominous. Phil Christophers had barely seen the ball at this point and had to come infield looking for it.

England made a great start to the second half when Ben Kay took a smart inside pass and showed remarkable mobility for a big man. From outside the 22, he outran the cover and reached over the line despite the efforts of Corleto.

Quesada extended the lead to 15-10 with a long range penalty. Smart hands had put Christophers in a bit of space on the left but his pace meant that he got isolated and was penalised for holding on.

However, he more than made amends a few minutes later. David Flatman broke the gain line and popped the ball up to Christophers in a bit of space. He turned on the pace and then used the sidestep that is now familiar to Bristol supporters. He left Corleto for dead and had a clear run in to the line.

"I can remember David Flatman breaking through the first line of defence. I had moved from wing to centre, came across and took the ball, and that was about it...It was a fantastic experience - a dream really - and it is hard to explain the feeling...I tried to give it 100% and, hopefully, I have impressed the coaches."

Despite their inexperience at this level, England had the class to keep their noses in front and commited defence meant that Argentina only got one more penalty to show for their efforts. England converted two of their own and emerged 18-26 winners.

A great victory from a very inexperienced team at this level. Argentina would have really fancied their chances for this one and all the England players deserve credit.

As for Phil. Well, after a quiet start, he looked the part. He took his try brilliantly and he looked lively whenever he got the ball. A dream finish to the season for him.