WALES ended their four-year drought without an autumn series victory by pummelling a poor Pumas side at the Millennium Stadium to claim a record win over Argentina.

The South Americans are seriously on the slide and have endured a dreadful 2013, but Wales were often superb and scored some beautiful tries with some breathtaking rugby.

The hosts bounced back in style after last week’s bitterly disappointing defeat to South Africa, although the Springboks are in a completely different class to Argentina.

The Pumas simply couldn’t live with Wales’ pace out wide with centre Scott Williams having a fine game.

Wales scored two sparkling tries in a fairly lively first half which ended with them leading 23-3.

Scrum half Mike Phillips, got the opening one, having the gas to score a remarkable interception try from 70 metres after a fumble by Pumas No 10 Nicolas Sanchez.

The second involved the No 9 again, his deft inside pass from quality lineout possession finding huge wing George North who tore through the Argentina defence and touch down.

After the interval Newport Gwent Dragons star Toby Faletau crossed for their third try after some stunning play by the backs, Scarlets wing Liam Williams’ superb pass finding the sublime number eight.

Replacement hooker Ken Owens, who came on for the excellent Richard Hibbard, got the fourth after the home pack smashed through from close range to claim his debut Test try.

Wales’ set piece went well, lineout functioning well and Rhodri Jones did well on the tighthead and was excellent in the loose.

He was replaced late on by fellow Scarlets man Samson Lee who made his international debut but was sin binned just minutes into his first cap.

Wales: Leigh Halfpenny; George North, Cory Allen (Ashley Beck 72), Scott Williams, Liam Williams; Dan Biggar (James Hook 68), Mike Phillips (Lloyd Williams 68) ; Gethin Jenkins (Paul James 68), Richard Hibbard (Ken Owens 62), Rhodri Jones (Samson Lee 68), Bradley Davies (Luke Charteris 56), Alun-Wyn Jones, Sam Warburton (capt), Justin Tipuric , Toby Faletau (Ryan Jones 74).

Wales scorers: Tries – Mike Phillips, George North, Toby Faletau, Ken Owens, Penalties – Leigh Halfpenny (4), Conversions – Halfpenny (4).

Argentina: Joaquin Tuculet (Lucas Gonzalez Amorosino h-t); Horacio Agulla, Marcelo Bosch, Santiago Fernandez (Gabriel Ascarate 59), Santiago Cordero; Nicolas Sanchez, Martin Landajo (Tomas Cubelli 68; Marcos Ayerza (Nahuel Lobo 71), Eusebio Guinazu (Santiago Iglesias Valdes 67), Maximilano Busto (Matias Diaz 74) , Manuel Carizza (Tomas Lavanini 67), Patricio Albacete, Pablo Matera (Leonardo Senatore 56) Juan Farias Cabello, Juan Manuel Leguizamon (capt).

Argentina scorers: Penalties – Nicolas Sanchez (2).

Referee: John Lacey (Ireland)

Attendance: 46, 253

Argus star man: Toby Faletau