England's rugby team has been compelled to change hotels in Buenos Aires following extensive celebrations by Argentine fans after their World Cup victory. The team was experiencing significant disruption from fireworks and street parties that continued into the early hours of the morning.
Thousands of fans congregated in the Plaza de la República on Wednesday night to celebrate Argentina's 2-1 win over England, creating a large-scale street party. Flares and fireworks were reportedly set off throughout the night, leading to the erection of barricades outside the team's initial hotel for security purposes.
Steve Borthwick, the England team coach, acknowledged the impact of the celebrations, stating that many players did not get a full night's sleep, with fireworks audible as late as 4 a.m. "I wouldn't suggest that everybody got a great night's sleep for a lot of hours," Borthwick said. "There were still fireworks going off at 4am in the morning out there."
Despite the disruptions, Borthwick noted that the team had prepared for the situation, with earplugs provided to players. Some players were observed watching the spectacle from their hotel balconies. "We'd obviously all wanted England to win but having seen a spectacle like that, it's one of the experiences of touring," Borthwick commented on the scene.
Reports also indicated anti-English sentiments during the celebrations, with instances of flags being burned and graffiti referencing the Falkland Islands. The potential for continued celebrations, especially if Argentina progresses further in the tournament, posed logistical challenges for the team's departure.
Videos circulating online showed player Henry Pollock engaging with Argentine fans from the team coach. Borthwick defended Pollock's actions, characterizing them as good-natured and in line with the team's desire for players with character. "Henry's full of character. We want character in our game and we want character in our squad. This squad really embraces what he brings," Borthwick stated.
Pollock has been named on the bench for England's upcoming match, with an unchanged starting XV announced by Borthwick for the fixture in Santiago del Estero.