England's rugby team was compelled to move hotels in Buenos Aires due to the widespread and intense celebrations following Argentina's World Cup victory. Tens of thousands of fans filled the Plaza de la República on Wednesday night, marking their football team's 2-1 win over England with a large street party.
The festivities involved flares and fireworks that continued throughout the night, prompting the erection of barricades outside the England team's hotel for added security. The team was scheduled to return to the same accommodation on Sunday, but with Argentina advancing further in the tournament, further widespread celebrations are anticipated over the weekend.
"I wouldn't suggest that everybody got a great night's sleep for a lot of hours," said England's head coach Steve Borthwick, describing the late-night disturbances. "There were still fireworks going off at 4am in the morning out there. ... There were earplugs given to everybody."
Despite the disruptions, Borthwick noted that many players were observing the scenes from their rooms. "We'd obviously all wanted England to win but having seen a spectacle like that, it's one of the experiences of touring. People jumping up and down for hours in the streets. Fireworks going off. It was something to see."
Some public displays expressed anti-English sentiment, with flags reportedly burned and graffiti referencing Argentina's claim to the Falkland Islands appearing. Concerns were also raised about potential travel issues, as a continued victory celebration into Monday could impede the team's bus departure for the airport.
Videos circulated online showing player Henry Pollock engaging with Argentinean fans from the team bus. Borthwick addressed the incident, stating that such displays are embraced within the squad. "Henry's full of character," he said. "We want character in our game and we want character in our squad. This squad really embraces what he brings. ... I think it was in good nature. I think it came from a very good place."
Pollock has been named on the bench for the upcoming match in Santiago del Estero, with Borthwick opting for an unchanged starting XV.