Quesada's boot boosts Pumas

Wales A 14 Argentina 3

Gonzalo Quesada kicked 20 points for Argentina at Pontypridd last night to give the Pumas a boost before facing Wales in Saturday's Test match in Cardiff.

Argentina, scoring two tries to one, were in control against a Welsh side who, despite starting with seven full internationals, including five in the pack, trailed 16-6 at half-time. They had to wait until the 80th minute for their lone try when No 8 Andrew Powell went over after a crisp handling move.

Welsh attention focused on Gavin Henson at full-back but the versatile 19-year-old had few opportunities to show his attacking skills. Gareth Wyatt, on the wing, saw his fine late run ended by more solid defending from the Pumas but had the consolation of throwing the scoring pass for Powell a minute later.

Quesada, who plays for French side Narbonne, landed six penalties in as many attempts and converted Argentina's first try by flanker Martin Durand in the last minute of the first half. Full-back Bernardo Stortoni then caught a high ball to put winger Ignacio Corleto across in the 70th minute.

Cardiff's Nick Robinson managed two penalties in three attempts and Lee Jarvis then landed a 50th minute penalty.

Wales A: Try Powell. Pens Robinson 2, Jarvis. Argentina: Tries Corleto, Durand. Conversion: Quesada. Pens: Quesada 6.

Wales A: Henson; G Wyatt, Watkins, Marinos, Breeze; N Robinson, Harries; Madden, M Davies, Anthony, Gough, Stephens, Budgett, A Powell, Ringer. Replacements: A Lewis, Evans, Billen, Forster, A Williams, Jarvis, Pritchard.

Argentina: Stortoni; Corleto, Giannantonio, J Fernandez-Miranda, Soler; Quesada, N Fernandez-Miranda; Grau, Ledesma, Garcia, Sambucetti, Alvarez, Durand, Longo-Elia, Ostiglia. Replacements: Mendez, Reggiardo, Martin, Fernandez-Lobbe, Pichot, Camardon, Orengo.

Referee: T Spreadbury (RFU).