England vs. Argentina Rugby 2013: Score and Analysis of Autumn International

It was scrappier affair than those at Twickenham may have thought possible at halftime, but England once again emerged as victors in the capital, beating Argentina and maintaining their November winning record.

The two teams went in at halftime as 24-6 leaders but were unable to keep their momentum going in the second period, scoring just seven more points for a final result of 31-12.

Joe Launchbury, Billy Twelvetrees and Chris Ashton all went over in the first half to give their team the initiative, Ben Morgan scoring England's only try of the second period.

In truth, the South American visitors can be held responsible for their own downfall as bad decision making and careless possession in the final quarter stopped them from taking anything away from London.

Now, attention turns toward the mammoth meeting against Ruby World Cup champions New Zealand next week. The All Blacks are bound to pose far greater a challenge than what the Pumas were able to muster this weekend.

England Suffering From Second-Half Syndrome

It's a problem that many sides are familiar with, but turning up to just one of their two halves is a habit that England can't afford to get into this month.

As was aforementioned, Stuart Lancaster's side found themselves up by 18 points at halftime and should have gone on to record a big points tally the likes of which Australia, South Africa and New Zealand all managed during the Rugby Championship.

However, it wasn't to be, and the home side instead let their foot off the gas, inviting the Pumas in to the extent where Argentina actually looked capable of pulling off a comeback until Morgan ended those hopes with his 77th-minute score.

It was the same story against Australia last week as Lancaster had to rely on his side pulling off a dramatic comeback, scoring 14 of their 20 points in the last 40 minutes as they ran to victory over Australia.

If the European side play to their optimum for anything less than the entire 80 minutes against New Zealand next week, they're set to be shown up by a side who won't offer them a reprieve.

White Lightning

While it may not have been maintained throughout, England's moves through the back line were particularly impressive when hands were at their smoothest.

Owen Farrell's decision making wasn't always at its best, but the 22-year-old did well in his 80-minute outing and ensured his backs saw frequent ball.

Chris Ashton and Mike Brown benefited most from this playmaking, the latter being permitted to stretch his legs frequently on his way to a carrying total of 90 metres, followed closely by Brown's 81-metre tally.

The Telegraph tweeted to show how effective winger Ashton was in his latest outing:

The forwards also got in on the running game, however, as five of the starting pack managed to get into the double figures in terms of yardage gained with ball in hand.

It's a promising sight for Lancaster to see developing within in what's still a fairly experimental squad in parts, the main worry being consistency.

Pumas' Profligacy Remains Biggest Issue

While England were clinical in the few scoring opportunities they did create, Argentina were the opposite, creating plenty of chances but allowing their opponents off the leash all too easily at times.

Gonzalez Amorosino carried for a brilliant 102 metres from 15 runs, showing just how much potential there is for incisive play in the Argentina setup. However, nothing was made of it as Daniel Hourcade's side failed to cross the whitewash, albeit not without their share of chances.

The Pumas are well able to summon all the passion and fire for which their Spanish heritage is noted in the style that they play, but they still lack the finishing touches of a world class side when deep in enemy territory.