Argentina manager Felipe Contepomi called England flanker Tom Curry a “bully” and claimed he “punched” him in the tunnel after England’s 27-23 win on Sunday.
Max Ojomo played the leading role in his first home start as England held off Argentina’s counterattack and secured a clean win in the autumn.
However, the main talking point at full-time was Curry’s late tackle on Juan Cruz María, with the latter suffering a suspected anterior cruciate ligament knee injury, with Pumas already finishing the game with just 14 players on their bench.
Argentina fought back from 17-0 behind to go up to 17-16 and then close to 27-23, but their final attack to win the match was in vain, and the visiting team came to England’s relief with a five-metre lineout. Pumas fell just short, but ugly scenes ensued after the final whistle as Curry and Henry Pollock got into a scuffle with furious Argentine players.
“I don’t know where to start[with Curry’s tackle]. I don’t know if we were reckless or a little late, but we made the decision two weeks ago considering the results. So if that’s the criteria, I don’t understand why we ended up playing with 14 men,” Contepomi said.
England’s Curry has been labeled a “bully” and accused of “beating” Argentina head coach Felipe Contepomi.
“You could call it reckless, but we ended up playing with 14 and they ended up playing with 15 and we didn’t even get checked out.
“And Curry, it’s not just that, because it’s probably part of his nature to bully people, but he came down to the tunnel and patted me and pushed me.
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Sky Sports News’ James Cole explains England v Argentina’s 27-23 win
“He’s 27 and strong. I’m 48 and he comes in and just hits. Luckily there’s probably a camera there so we’ll show it. They’ll probably look at it like it’s nothing. Richard Hill (England rugby team manager) was there so you can ask him.”
“Maybe it’s his (Curry’s) nature, I don’t know. They’re players that we look forward to and admire. Maybe that’s where we want our rugby to be.”
Curry given penalty for hit on Juan Cruz María after kick, suspected anterior cruciate ligament knee injury
“I was standing there and he came up to say hello to one of the coaches and I said no because we were upset.”
Because he was reckless and broke our player’s knee. I know it’s rugby, but in rugby it’s dangerous if you don’t look out for each other.
“When he came, I said, ‘Hey, you broke your knee,’ and he said, ‘Fuck you,’ and pushed me back. Maybe that’s just the way he is, I don’t know him.
“I don’t think I’m happy with the situation. After you break someone’s knee, you at least have to be humble and respectful and say, ‘I’m sorry, I did something wrong.'” But he went the other way.
“Maybe that’s just his way of life, being a bully. If they want a bully in this game, hello.”
Contepomi slashed an enraged pitchside figure following Curry’s late tackle on Maria
Contepomi was also irritated by an alleged high tackle on flanker Pablo Matera, which led to a head injury assessment (HIA), which appears not to have been checked by the TMO.
“I can go on too. Thanks to the mouthguard, which has great technology, we had three HIAs. One was when (Pablo) Matera had to be sent off for head contact, which was not checked.”
“So where is technology going? Or what are we going to use it for?
“He was a little lightheaded, so he stayed still. They just didn’t check it and he got off. So the end result was 12 minutes without a player for a HIA check, so yeah, I’m disappointed.”
“There are so many checks and you hear the TMO talking about knock-ons and forward passes, but aren’t they checking that?”
Borthwick: I know about the tunnel incident, but there is ‘no doubt’ of Curry’s character.
In response to Contepomi’s post-match comments, England head coach Steve Borthwick defended Curry.
“I will not be commenting on the referee’s decisions during the match and will be posting this immediately.
“Regarding the incident in the tunnel, I am clearly aware that it took place, but I did not see it and was not there. I was in the changing room at the time.
“I’m aware of that. It was a tough, hard Test match this afternoon with two really competitive teams and that’s all I really want to say about that. I don’t want that to be the center of attention in any way.”
“I think everyone in this room who has had contact with Tom Curry knows the kind of person he is. His character is impeccable, he’s a great team man, he’s a very polite guy. There’s no question about Tom Curry’s character.”
England head coach Steve Borthwick defends Curry in aftermath
England captain Maro Itoje added to the media:
“I don’t know what happened in the tunnel, but there’s always a lot of emotion on the pitch after a game. You see that in almost every game, whether it’s a Test match, a club game or an international game. I think that’s part of rugby.”
“Both teams have a huge amount of respect for each other. We’ve played each other three times this year and I know a lot of the players from the Premiership and beyond. All in all, I think it was a tough, tough old Test match.”
