The Classic Lions came out on top in a bad-tempered semi-final against Argentina in the World Rugby Classic at the North Field, National Sports Centre, last night.

A frustrated Argentina felt they did not get the rub of the green with many of the refereeing decisions and were involved in several heated exchanges with their opponents.

Gareth Brown’s penalty gave the Lions, last year’s beaten finalists, an early lead but the Classic Pumas fought back immediately to go ahead through a try from José des Neves.

Despite playing into the strong wind, Argentina’s entertaining free-flowing passing game was causing the Lions problems and they extended their lead when Alejandro Galli crashed over the line in the fifteenth minute.

The Lions pulled level when Tony Buckley wriggled his way through the Argentina defence for a try that was converted by Brown to make it 10-10.

But moments before half-time, Santiago van der Ghote notched the Puma’s third try before kicking the ensuing co nversion to give his side a seven-point advantage at the interval.

An automatic penalty try and conversion for the Lions levelled the score midway through the second period before they were awarded another penalty, which Brown kicked, much to the dismay of an aggrieved Pumas side.

In a game between two evenly-matched teams, Allan Martin, the Lions manager, said he was relieved his side had managed to sneak the win.

“It was a very tight game and there was very little between the sides,” he said.

“Obviously the [Argentina] players are a little bit upset about some of the refereeing decisions.

“There’s only one guy with a whistle and he’s the man in charge and you just have to accept it.”

The former Wales Lock added: “It was a tough game and I’m pleased we’ve come out as winner. Argentina play to the end and there was no quarter asked or given.”

The Lions will face either New Zealand or South Africa in Saturday’s final. Those two teams meet tonight at 8.30pm.

In last night’s earlier game, France thrashed Canada 24-0 in the Plate semi-final with tries from Nicolas Bauce, Elvis Vermeulen, Thomas Raufaste.

France will meet either Italy or the Classic Eagles in the Plate final. Italy take on the Eagles tonight at 7.15pm.