GLENDALE, Colo.—England didn’t quite put forth the effort it wanted but came away with a win over Argentina in the opening match of rugby’s Churchill Cup Saturday at Infinity Park.
The Saxons defeated the Argentina Jaguars 28-20. England winger Tom Varndell sealed it with a score on a short run late in the second half to give the defending Churchill Cup champs a comfortable lead at 25-17.
The Jaguars had closed within three at 20-17.
The Churchill Cup is the premiere championship for players on the edge of representing the top teams from their countries. It is being hosted for the first time solely on U.S. soil.
In the nightcap Saturday, Canada jumped to an early 19-3 lead over Georgia and never let up, cruising to a 42-10 victory.
Matt Evans dodged Georgia defenders to score twice late in the game as the Canadians ran away in the final 10 minutes.
The game marked the first Churchill Cup experience for the Georgians, who blasted on to the national rugby stage in 2007 after nearly pulling off an upset of Ireland in the World Cup.
Pool play continues Wednesday at Infinity Park, where the U.S. faces Argentina and Canada plays Ireland. The championship will be played June 21 in nearby Commerce City.
