Argentina 23 England 26: Owen Farrell breaks Rugby World Cup record as Red Rose pip rivals in third-place play-off

OWEN FARRELL scraped past the rugby World Cup point-scoring record – just like England edged past Argentina in the third-place play-off.

Farrell’s 16 points took him to 75, one more than France legend Thomas Ramos, after this nail-biting clash for bronze at the Stade de France.

ReutersOwen Farrell kicked his way into the World Cup record books[/caption]

PABen Earl leads Red Rose celebrations after victory[/caption]

ITVTomas Cubelli sparked an Argentina comeback with a debated try after what many viewers believed was this clear forward pass from Lucio Cinti[/caption]

But the Red Rose had to defend desperately for the final quarter of the match.

Ben Earls and Theo Dan notched their tries, with Tomas Cubelli sparking an Argentinian fightback inbetween with a controversial “forward pass” score late in the first half.

Santiago Carreras’s score put the Red Rose on a knife-edge.

But after England’s scrum just failed to fend off South Africa’s fightback in last weekend’s semi-final, it was their front five who did the job in the closing stages this time.

Nonetheless, Nicolas Sanchez missed a penalty for Argentina on 76 minutes that would have levelled the match and possibly sent it to extra time.

And make no mistake, this contest was as gruelling as any contest at this tournament – despite both sides’ hangover after missing the final.

As ex-England fly-half Paul Grayson told BBC Radio 5 Live: “We said this was the game that nobody wants to play in. Them teams have proved us wrong, it was an absolute Test match.

“Only three points in it on the scoreboard – credit to both teams.”

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Outgoing England scrum-half Ben Youngs told ITV: “It was a huge effort last week and then we were fast out of the blocks, we found a rhythm and found a way.

“We wanted to be here tomorrow night, but it is still a nice win tonight.”

And of bowing out himself, Youngs added: “The game has given me so much – I have got huge friendships and bonds not just in this England team, but people I have played against for years.

“I have a bucket load of memories and I am very grateful, so thank you everyone. I will have a beer and enjoy myself with the boys tonight.”

Next it’s the main event – New Zealand and South Africa in the final at the same venue on Saturday.

AFPEngland No 8 Ben Earl dives over for the opening try[/caption]

AFPRed Rose team-mates hail opening try-scorer Earl[/caption]