The Autumn Internationals are officially underway, with England starting off their campaign in far from ideal circumstances against Argentina. In truly horrendous conditions at Twickenham, England couldn’t convert possession into points, made far too many mistakes and suffered only their second ever defeat to Argentina at Twickenham.
Argentina’s 30-29 win was their first at the home of England rugby since 2006 and the men from South America must be complemented on the execution of a well-constructed game plan. Brutal in defence and clinical when given the opportunity to capitalise on English errors, Argentina had already beaten both Australia and New Zealand in 2022 and were deserving of this latest scalp at Twickenham.
In scoring 25 points, Emiliano Bofelli scored the most points for an Argentinian at Twickenham since that famous day in 2006, when Federico Todeschini registered 19 points in a glorious Argentine victory.
Neither the rugby gods nor the weather gods were on England’s side, and such were the apocalyptic levels of rain falling on the Twickenham turf, you’d have been forgiven for expecting a flock of locusts to descend upon the ‘old cabbage patch.’
Despite the soggy weather however, there was no dampening of the Green Room atmosphere as guests revelled in the experience – Bollinger champagne, great laughs amongst friends plus light-hearted insight into the game from our England rugby legends, Lawrence Dallaglio, Will Greenwood, Ben Kay, Austin Healey, David Flatman and Sir Clive Woodward.
On a wet, wintry day, guests were also treated to some fantastic fodder! On a day that required food to soothe both the soul and palate, we served a hearty menu that included Chimichurri marinated Yorkshire beef, caramelised butternut, confit potato terrine, braised beetroot, crispy cheeks, and Malbec reduction followed by a delectable ginger chocolate mousse tart. What better way to fill up before the big game!?
Joining the fun were former England cricket captain Graham Gooch and current England star Ollie Pope, Chloe Madeley and husband James Haskell as well as Simon Dunmore of Defected Records fame. Michelin star chef and huge rugby fan Ollie Dabbous also paid us a visit ahead of delivering the dishes for New Zealand and South Africa.
Next week England face the challenge of Japan and we’re all hoping that both the weather and the result are more favourable than their first outing this November! The Brave Blossoms pose a unique threat to England, but after having been bitten by Los Pumas, England will be out to kickstart their Autumn Internationals campaign with a resounding win.
Green Room guests have a treat of a match ahead and we hope you’ll be joining us at Twickenham soon!
