This year kicks off the new and improved Tri Nations rugby competition: The Rugby Championship. Argentina has been thrown into the mix to give the competition new meaning.
Not only does this new inclusion bring more competition within the tournament, but the benefits for the sport itself will be immense.
Since watching international fixtures, I have come to notice that the different hemispheres have created two, completely different styles of play.
Traditionally, the Northern Hemisphere teams such as England, Ireland and Scotland have been known for their extremely well organised set piece, and their strong kicking games, just like the great teams of the 80s and 90s.
However Southern Hemisphere teams such as New Zealand and Australia have attempted to move away from the ‘old school’ styles, and play a more expansive, fast-paced running game.
Clearly, this alteration in game play can be attributed to the rugby conference championships of the Heineken Cup and Six Nations in the Northern Hemisphere, and the Tri Nations and Super Rugby in the Southern Hemisphere.
Contributing to this, international players who are neither from Europe or Australasia most likely play in Europe, simply because of the appeal for financial gains.
Specifically, great Argentinian players such as Felipe Contepomi, Mario Ledesma, Lucas Borges and many more, all play in the European tournaments.
Due to these players being exposed to the game-play within the Northern Hemisphere, their mentality remains the same – to focus towards establishing a solid set piece and to have a strong kicking game.
However, now that Argentina has been included within the Tri Nations, it means that these players will regularly be revealed to the dazzling skills of James O’Connor, Dan Carter, Sonny Bill-Williams and Kurtley Beale.
But I suppose there are many, or possibly more fantastic players that play in Europe, but it is not simply the players, it is that attacking flair, that mentality to run the ball towards the opposition and not just simply to play a game of ‘force and backs’ adopted by southern hemisphere rugby.
This is not to say that at times, southern hemisphere teams do kick the ball away aimlessly, but more often than not, the intent to run is there.
The exciting thing with the Rugby Championship is that, now that Argentina will constantly play in this type of environment, the players, and the game of rugby union itself will benefit.
However, I am not saying that the teams and players will just merely follow this style of game-play because it is entertaining, but because it is effective.
New Zealand has been the world rugby powerhouse since the games beginning, but their recent success in the past decade has been attributed to their ability to keep the ball in hand, and score tries.
Just look at Wales, this northern hemisphere nation, now coached by a New Zealander, has begun to play a more expansive style of game, and they have reaped the benefits.
If Argentina is able to play, like a real Southern Hemisphere team should, who knows how strong they could become.
ariel
Guest
I think this is a very good idea, the best I've read so far. although at first will have 2 teams from Argentina and 1 South African. 3 zones of 6 teams. and then, after 4 years what you say .... I'm sorry but Russia, the U.S. and Canada belong to the northern hemisphere. In life not all is money.
JK
Guest
Could an Atlantic and Pacific conference could work? 6 Safrican teams + 4 Argentina And 5 NZ + 5 Aus Solves the Kings - Lions drama in SAf, means SAf only travel to one country, and can incorporate currie cup into conference, there is also a good relationship between SARU and Arg Rugby. Means no complaints about watching matches in the middle of the night or about teams disappearing from their local public for weeks at a time. Aus teams traditionally struggle pulling a crowd against lower ranked SAf teams as well Including just 1 Arg team in someone's conference wouldn't be fair on them travel wise as they would play so many away games across the globe. Play-offs in 8 team semis! Alternate which conference hosts the decider.
Matthew Skellett
Guest
Do You Guys know that Big Time Rugby coming to South America on a regular basis with the opportunity for Argentina to move up to the top four in the world is going to break the whole rugby scene on the Americas wide open - I am so excited about the implications for rugby development over there on the 2 american continents The good O'l USA and Canada will be jumping at the bit to get some of the action in the very near future (with probably Russia) offering a mint of money to be included -what a great time to be a rugby-loving Australian male wooohooooo !!!!! :-)
lauboy
Guest
FU, that's not exactly true. A major reason why NH players don't flock to the S14 is a) because they have to take a big pay cut b) and they face the cold shoulder from Tests and specifically Six Nations duty (although Haskell's situation may prove to be a precedent) Speaking from a NZ perspective, look at the Chiefs front row of Tameifuna, Schwarger and Taumololo (only one of those three is eligible for NZ). All the NZ franchises have PI Test players (ie Samoa's Tusi Pisi for the Blues, Tonga's Siutale for the Highlanders etc). NZ has also made allowances for their franchises to sign up two Argentines each for next season (and I expect Aust teams to follow suit, especially the Rebels and Force). NZ is a small market as has been pointed out and is wary of allowing talented foreigners blocking a local player's propspects. PI Test players are exempted likely because most of them are born/raised in NZ or NZ allows it to help develop the PI countries. (THat Tongan front row against France last year was two-thirds Chiefs-raised -- Taumalolo and Lutui.) However, players like France's Christian Califano, and Englishmen Kevin Yates (Hurricanes), Julian White (Crusaders), Martin Johnson (King Country, NZ Schools), Simon Shaw (Otago club) and Tom Woods (North Otago!!) have made the long journey south. All forwards, I note. Given the new Super/RC format, and Haskell's callup to England's tour, I wonder if the situation may change
Lazy Ted Failyou
Guest
Knowing the Argies, they will expect World Cup '86 style refereeing as their birthright and the return of Isla Malvinas also.
tc
Guest
Emric The reason I used 2+2+2 for the amount of teams in the western hemisphere is because I think the conferences will go to 6 at the next tv deal .
Emric
Guest
5 licenses should be awarded to the Argentinian RU to create, use existing, or on-sell to the USA/Canada
tc
Guest
Can't wait. If Argentina doesn't get a couple of teams it wont be because of a lack of trying from the SANZAR officials ,they have already said they will try to push into new markets at the next tv deal .My opinion is that teams in the western hemisphere will only work if they have there own conference ,so maybe two each from Argentina ,USA and Canada would do the trick I think ,and fill the North American teams with the national sides and some good imports to get them of the ground running. Well thats the western hemisphere taken care of then ,now for Asia.
Miglia
Guest
Joshy - I've traveled extensively through the Argentine and English is widespread as a second language. And there will be huge backlash from the Argentine public if the Pumas are poorly officiated just as there is in your country. BTW, I'm sure this forum would welcome some insight re the most likely Bok squad for the Durban test. Submit an article.
Football United
Guest
yet an internal conference system still is restrictive as it doesn't give each nation ownership on how they want to run their domestic competition. super rugby would be better off restructuring into a continental cup with the national unions submitting their best teams from their domestic comps that are filled with the old super teams.
Justin
Guest
Precisely the reason for theconference concept being established.
Football United
Guest
i think that it is not just pay checks that drive foreigners to the european leagues but also the fact that SANZAAR teams are stuck in the 80's and will refuse to take in foreign players.
Football United
Guest
this, i don't want argentine teams in super rugby because it's just silly with distances for a weekly fixturing. Heineken cup with Australian, RSA, NZ, Argentine, Japanese, PI and North American teams is the way forward
Charlie Hodgetts
Roar Rookie
So very true. One of my reasons for looking at this topic area
The Great G Nepia
Guest
The passion for the scrum is my forte too
jack
Guest
argentina is an important market that should be nurtured to grow into a competitive international team. if it can achieve big success then surely other latin american countries will start to take a second look at rugby- albeit under the suffocating domination of football. with more than half a billion people, latin america offers massive potential growth for the game in a barely tapped market. best of luck.
nickoldschool
Roar Guru
Always good to have a team trying to break rugby's anglo-saxon hegemony. Richness in diversity.
glacier
Guest
Wales have been the proponents of free-flowing back line rugby for about 100 years, long before a second-string All Black hooker took charge 4 years ago.
ChrisW
Guest
Look forward to Argentina joining.
stillmatic1
Guest
i think its doing all the running 20 to 30 metres before the gain line like the wallabies do, soliosi! at least they are running!! the defence just has to wait a few more seconds for them to make it to the gain line before having to make a tackle.no biggie.