Argentina’s head coach, Felipe Contepomi, criticized England’s Tom Curry, labeling him a “bully” and alleging that Curry shoved him in a heated confrontation after England’s 27-23 win at Allianz Stadium. The Pumas were upset by Curry’s tackle on Juan Cruz Mallia, which led to Mallia leaving the field with a suspected ACL knee injury and Argentina finishing the match with 14 players. Contepomi protested the challenge, which resulted in a penalty but was not reviewed by the match official, leading to a scuffle between the teams and the confrontation with Curry in the tunnel.
Contepomi described the incident, stating that Curry, a physically imposing 27-year-old, pushed him after being confronted about Mallia’s injury. Contepomi emphasized the need for mutual respect in rugby, especially after causing harm to a player. In response, England’s coach, Steve Borthwick, defended Curry’s character, praising him as a team player with a respectful demeanor. Borthwick clarified that he was not present during the tunnel incident but acknowledged its occurrence.
Despite the controversy, England secured their 11th consecutive victory by defeating Argentina in a hard-fought match. Borthwick commended the team’s performance and highlighted the ongoing development and potential for improvement in the squad. The victory marked a successful conclusion to England’s series of matches this month, showcasing their progress and determination on the field.