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We always knew the threat that Argentina could pose and I was very aware of the quality players they had – four of them play with me at Stade Francais.

Some pundits were suggesting that the Pumas were an ageing
team and lacked regular international fixtures. I was not taking
that line. No team at this year’s World Cup wanted to have to play them. Everyone remembers how they ruined the hopes of hosts France in the opening game of the tournament in 2007 and then beat them again in the match to decide third place.

It was really frustrating sitting on the sub’s bench and to witness what was taking place on the pitch. We were unable to exert the kind of control we needed and made too many mistakes which could have really cost us dear in penalties.

Much has been made of the way in which the Pumas missed so many kicks at goal but we missed five kicks as well. I have never seen Jonny miss so many in one match. He says that he was happy in the way he was striking the ball and, typically, has not looked for excuses. He is not the only goalkicker to be experiencing difficulties but I am sure Jonny will sort things out – his record is better than anyone’s.

I was itching to get onto the field but had to wait until thirteen minutes to go to get the call and I was determined to make an impact as we were behind by six points.

My arrival on the field coincided with a lineout about fifteen meters from the Puma’s try line. Hooker Dylan Hartley, another summoned from the bench, was told to pick me out with the throw. It was on target and I took it cleanly and we set ourselves for a forward drive to their line. It was halted but then Ben Youngs had a dart. We retained possession and then it was Dylan’s turn to make some extra yards. I was now in a position to support and, in tandem with Tom Croft, we drove on further and laid it back quickly for Ben who spotted a gap and dashed through for a try at the posts. Jonny’s conversion secured us the lead at last!

We were still not home as only one point separated us and even though Jonny kicked another penalty, the gap was only four points. However, we kept our discipline and I was happy with my defensive duties and work at the scrum where we disrupted them on two occasions.

I know we have received widespread criticism from the media for our performance but we will improve. There are no really easy games these days – just ask Scotland and Ireland. New Zealand also had to take a mountain of criticism from their own media and they scored 41 points in their opening game!

Wales deserve the utmost credit for their performance against reigning champions South Africa. They did not deserve to lose that game and could have won it with a late drop goal. Such fine lines determine the outcome of games at this level.

We will now analyse our performance in detail and seek to iron out the elements that so nearly cost us dear. Our next game is against Georgia and we will not be taking them lightly. They have a very useful pack of forwards. We want to finish top in our group to secure a quarter-final place.

Keep the faith

Cheers, Tom