Argentina held off a fast finishing Colombia with a 28-16 win in the second match of the Brasil Festival of Rugby League at Palmeiras Clube de Campo in Sao Paulo.

Having struggled in the heat the previous day with only 12 men, it appeared Colombia were in for another tough day when Argentina scored three tries in the first 17 minutes to race out to a 14-0 lead. Centre Emiliano Rodriguez, five eight Facundo Lizarzuay and prop Ulises Silva were the try scorers for Argentina

Bolsted by the arrival of three players who missed the previous match due to a flight cancellation, Colombia at least had two reserves to enable some interchange. Inspirational forward Juan David Espinal powered over from short range next to the posts where the simple conversion was taken by fullback Luis Valencia and Colombia were back in the contest trailing 14-6 as the players went off for half time.

A fantastic try to Argentine winger Dylan Moreira from a kick and a great step extended the lead in the 48th minute.

Argentina took full advantage from a kick once again with Lizarzuay producing a chip kick which was chased down by centre Marcelo Villalba to score. The try was converted by Lizarzuay and Argentina were looking comfortable at 24-6.

As they did the previous day, Colombia kept on taking the game to Argentina and livewire fullback Valencia scored from dummy half on the last tackle with a clever play. Juan Camilo Bermulez converted with just two converted tries the difference.

Colombia were in for another try when half back Alex Eastman took a pass and scored out wide. The try was not converted however, Colombia had all the momentum and threated to finish over the top of Argentina.

The game was sealed in the 74th minute when Silva, Argentina’s best on the day, scored his second try through brute strength. The simple conversion was missed leaving the door slightly ajar for Colombia although time eventually was called and Argentina prevailed with a 12 point victory.

Preceding this match, a four team 9’s tournament was played between Brasilian club teams. The final was played between Urutau who went through the pool rounds undefeated and Parana. In a pulsating match, the scores were locked at 30all at full time with Parana scoring a long range try in golden try to win the tournament 34-30. Tatuape won the 3rd place play-off against Rio de Janiero 10-8.