Argentina 19 Barbarians 5

After an early exit last year the Barbarians injected youth this time around to try and win back their crown.

But despite controlling the entire first half, courtesy of their young guns, it wasn't enough to stop the irrepressible Pumas from creating the tournament's first genuine upset.

Almost total control and a 5-0 half-time lead weren't enough for the Barbarians as three second-half tries by the South Americans propelled them into a semi-final clash with Australia.

Dogged defence by the fearsome Puma forwards ensured the Barbarians couldn't turn their control into points - something that was causing their bench much consternation.

If penalties could be kicked in this event, the Barbarians would have been a high multiple of three ahead early on as the Latin indiscipline in rucks often gave the Barbarians good possession. And it was the British side who were in control throughout the first half, with a younger and fitter side than last year giving them added impetus - particularly in the backs.

The recently-retired Northampton triumvirate of Nick Beale, John Sleightholme and Harvey Thorneycroft were instrumental in much the Barbarians did well and with a more than able supporting cast of forwards, it was often one-way traffic.

But points were proving hard to come by as a solid Argentinian side - themselves heavy on fit players rather than fitted out with heavy players - defended admirably.

The only points in a relatively flat opening half came from Thorneycroft who provided the hands at the bottom of a pile of players after a rolling maul - spurred on by a partisan crowd - slowly forced its way through and over the South American defence. The conversion was missed and the men in pink were just five up at the break.

But it all swung the Pumas' way in the second period - particularly after Beale and Thorneycroft were taken out of the action. And it was probably the try of the tournament that handed the underdogs the lead they were never to surrender.

The effervescent Thomas Girardi - who lit up from the base of the scrum every time Argentina had possession - broke down the middle eight minutes into the half. His twisting run took him deep into Barbarian territory and two passes later Diego Cuesta Silva was over in the corner.

With Fernando Del Castillo kicking the conversion, it was 7-5 Pumas and the tide had well and truly turned.

Seven minutes later and Eduardo Laborde went over to spark a mass of kissing and hugging on the Argentinian bench. And then with three minutes to go, Eliseo Brance, the biggest and most brutal of the Puma forwards, slumped over the line to round off the scoring at 19-5.

“Yes, it is very good win for us,” said coach Rafael Madero. “In the first half they had the ball a lot and attacked in a lot of different positions but we defended very good.

“We thought we could win it in the second half and we played very nice rugby.

“We are very happy - it is an important win for us. I think it will be good game against Australia - I look forward to it.”