WARREN GATLAND hailed his team’s summer tour as the best of his 10-year spell with Wales after a comprehensive 30-12 win over Argentina on Saturday.

Victory in Santa Fe not only sealed Wales a first series success in the land of the Pumas since 1999, but also put Gatland’s men third in World Rugby’s rankings, above England.

Even a late red card for No 8 Ross Moriarty failed to detract from Wales’s glory as Josh Adams and Hallam Amos scored tries and fly-half Rhys Patchell ended the game with 20 points.

“It’s definitely the most pleasing tour I’ve had with Wales. A lot of people were sceptical about the trip and they’d written us off, but we’ve achieved everything we set out to do,” Gatland said.

“I thought the boys were outstanding and the performance was very good. We’re up to third in the world, which is an even bigger bonus as well.

“This group of players have been outstanding both on and off the field and with the way they’ve prepared and trained, I haven’t seen a group this hungry for a while.

“It’s a great position for us to be in.”

Argentina head coach Daniel Hourcade announced he will leave his role after next week’s Test against Scotland on the back of a second defeat in as many weeks.

Hourcade took charge of the Pumas in 2013, but took full responsibility for his team’s failings. His imminent departure leaves Argentina in trouble ahead of the upcoming Rugby Championship.

“The team did not show any answers and the responsibility is absolutely mine, I assume it entirely and the message is no longer getting through,” he said. “We feel this is a completed cycle. I talked previously with the [Argentinian Rugby Union] and agreed the June window was decisive.”