Matt Banahan’s late try for England on Saturday has given manager Martin Johnson some vital breathing space.

The Jerseyman’s effort was the only try of a dire 16-9 victory over Argentina at Twickenham.

The crowd’s howls of protest over the second disappointing home performance in a row would have been more severe had former Jersey RFC Academy product Banahan not done the business in the left-hand corner in the 69th minute.

With the 78,000-strong crowd baying, Banahan galloped past a despairing defender’s challenge, went over by the flag and carried round towards the posts to touch down with glee, giving Jonny Wilkinson the easy task to convert for two extra points.

The 22-year-old winger’s fourth try for England in five appearances (including one try in a non-cap match against the Barbarians at Twickenham) was his third try in three matches against the battling Pumas – and his first ‘official’ international try at the RFU’s headquarters.