While many people may have been surprised with the failure of South Africa to beat Argentina in Mendoza, I certainly wasn’t.
Of course history was firmly on the Boks’ side, having won all of their 13 previous encounters. However, if there was a game for the Pumas to really target in the Rugby Championship, it was this one.
South Africa at home is a difficult task for even the All Blacks and the Pumas first outing at Newlands was always going to be tough. A tour of New Zealand and then Australia is also going to be difficult for a team that is not used to the grind of travel, unlike the other three sides who all play in the Super competition.
Even though the last two games are at home, they could also prove difficult as it is likely injuries and fatigue will set in for a side which has never before had to keep such intensity for so long (the World cup by nature isn’t as gruelling as the Ruby Championship). So it made sense to plan an ambush in Mendoza and most would agree the Pumas were unlucky not to have won.
Sure the Boks couldn’t have played much worse, but the intensity of the crowd, the occasion and a well prepared Argentine side with a simple but good game plan, caused an upset draw. Given the result, I was surprised that not more was written about it among the Roar regulars, so I decided to start my ‘Roar career’ writing about the prospects of the Pumas in the Rugby Championship.
While it definitely has given a little more cultural spice to the old tri-nations format, many would doubt the realistic chances of the new team. But there are a few things that the All Blacks and the Wallabies should be wary of before taking on Argentina this year.
Firstly, an important prerequisite of SANZAR for entry was that the best players be available. 23 of the Argentina squad play for French clubs, four in Britain and seven in Argentina. In the past, the Pumas have often presented teams without their best players due to commitments in Europe. Sometimes they have even relied completely on their locally based players, who are still amateur. This side is the best that Argentina can field.
Secondly, the preparation is different. The Pumas are used to being thrown together at the last minute before Test matches (except in World Cup years), because they are scattered throughout the French and British clubs. This year they had weeks together at a training camp in the USA before starting their campaign, so combinations should be much more familiar.
Thirdly, they have something to prove. Being here since 2004, I’ve seen rugby grow as a sport immensely, both in terms of player involvement and media coverage. The team have been very well promoted and I’d go out on a limb to say it has grown to be the second most popular sport in Argentina (of course, to soccer).
The players have a real sense that they are not just representing their country, but the future of rugby in South America. There was a long huddle after the game in Mendoza and some very stern faces, which suggests a very passionate and serious attitude to the opportunity they have until SANZAR reviews the four nation comp (I think in 2015). I wish the Wallabies could show this sort of unity after their performances!
Fourthly, home ground advantage. Due to geography and the European based players (again!), the Pumas rarely hosted full-scale internationals in Argentina. The crowd here are ruthless. Nowhere else in the rugby world have I witnessed the chanting, whistling and sound of horns so loud – during opposition shots at goal. It was enough to put Steyne off in Mendoza so, Dan Carter, be prepared!
Lastly, they have world-class players. While they might not be household names in South Africa, New Zealand or Australia, players such as Hernandez, Roncero, Albacete, Leguizamon and Agulla are all proven and experienced campaigners at the highest level. They form the core that has given other, less experienced players a sense of calm in this toughest of competitions.
So, where to from here? I believe most true rugby supporters would like to see Argentina do well but even the most optimistic Puma fan would struggle to put his hard earned on an upset win in Wellington or La Plata. However a win against a rudderless Wallabies on the Gold Coast and especially Rosario now doesn’t seem so far-fetched.
The stated aim of the impressive no. 8 and captain Fernandez Lobbe was not to be too concerned with the results of their inaugural year of the Rugby Championship, but to ensure that throughout the fixture list they keep on improving, to set a base for what will hopefully be a long involvement in this Southern Hemisphere competition.
Perhaps after their draw with the Springboks, the bar has been raised a little higher than to just be competitive. We may not see an upset win, I’m just saying don’t be too surprised if it happens.
On a side note, anyone planning to visit Argentina for the rugby should research the currency rates. There is an official rate and black market rate for pesos. Rugby has a promising future here, the economy does not!
Upriver
Guest
It seems completely irrational to actively encourage their players to go overseas to play professional rugby rather than develop a professional domestic competition, until you have a good look at Argentina's extremely class conscious society. I'd speculate there's fear among the elite BA rugby brethren that to open up their rugby to professionalism would see their influence and power weaken under the onslaught of the talented 'great unwashed' taking up their game and rubbing elbows with them during the after match functions (called tercero tiempo or 3rd half). We all see this addiction to privilege everywhere (hello Waratahs) but Argentina does have the highest proportion of psychiatrists outside of New York so there's some nice personal workshop stuff bubbling beneath the surface. I'd speculate that any incursion of professionalism will occur first in the provinces from possibly the lower tiered clubs. They could start by using the 'amateur' policy we use here in Oz. Entice players with jobs, maybe pay for their accommodation, the odd incentive bonus and wallah!
Shop
Guest
Buenos Aires still has a very arrogant view of the provinces but I didn't know it was that bad!! I think now some of the clubs in Rosario and Cordoba especially, are slotting into teams more easily in BA, however now anyone serious about improving their rugby goes OS. As far as sponsorship goes for the provincial comp, there are definitely logos and names on jersey's, so it isn't completely amateur. I believe though, that the players aren't payed in as such, but their expenses while on the road are taken care of. I'll have to check... VISA has been and continues to be a massive contributor and there is very good coverage by ESPN. I daresay, much better than the coverage in Oz.
Upriver
Guest
@Shop, so who foots the bill for all putting on this comp? Does each team pay for their own travel etc. I presume there's advertising in the TV telecast so I imagine the AU is receiving this? Are teams allowed to have sponsorship on their kit, around their fields and in the programs etc? I can only go by my time there in the 90s and there's no better illustration of their methods than the following. In 1992 the Puma captain of the day and open-side flanker, Pablo Garroton, moved from the provincial powerhouse of Tucuman to Buenos Aires to further his medical studies/career. Two clubs voted against him joining their club and finally he was accepted into one of the most prestigious clubs courtesy of a majority vote taken by the top two grades. He then spent the rest of the season running around in the second row for the 3rd XV. When I asked why they explained that friendship and club loyalty came first and that maybe after a couple of years he would have the opportunity to play first grade. Cultural differences aside, to this day I still shake my head!
richard
Guest
Like the gist of this post; as I have said on another thread, UNDERESTIMATE THIS PUMAS TEAM AT YOUR PERIL!
Shop
Guest
Argie club scene is very strong in Buenos Aires which is well televised. This year they expanded a provincial comp to include teams from Chile and Urugauy. Still all amateur though which means it will be hard to sustain, despite the good set up. The pathway for juniors is also good. They beat Oz in the U20 world cup this year and ended up coming 4th. Players are spotted in various age group selection camps etc and promising players are often given opportunities to play in Italy (Sergio Parisienne, Martin Castrgiovani, Diego Domingo to name a few who have gone all the way). But it would be definitely be advantageous if these players could be convinced to stay at home.
Shop
Guest
Aerolineas is a complete disaster. Delays and cancelations are the norm. LAN fly direct from Santiago de Chile and it is a 14 hours flight to Auckland. QANTAS fly direct to from Sydney to Santiago which is a 12 or 14 flight (depending on the direction). I doubt the Wallabies or All Blacks will risk going cheap with Aerolineas. I suppose the Wallabies will fly from South Africa anyway?
atlas
Guest
can't happen - note it took the Pumas 34 hours to get to Auckland this week, then another flight to Wellington. Think about v Highlanders in Dunedin - adding another wait and flight then hour by bus from airport. And same for NZ teams to get to Argentina - depending on day of the week it can take 60 hours due to enforced stopover - Aerolineas Argentinas no longer do direct flights.
atlas
Guest
^ October this year - thanks to the IRB note it is not the Pumas but Jaguars, and a USA Selection rather than the Eagles IRB Americas Rugby Championship to be played in Canada October 12 USA v Argentina Jaguars and Canada v Uruguay Round 2: Uruguay v Argentina Jaguars and Canada v USA Selection. Round 3: Uruguay v USA Selection and Canada v Argentina Jaguars.
Upriver
Guest
Maybe Argentina needs a local Packer or a Murdoch to shake things by starting a professional domestic rugby comp. Now that would make good TV viewing.
Dave M
Guest
Good rant senor Shop , Great to see the Pumas in the RC (and doing well) although sounds like the gap between amateur & professional strikes a mean blow over there . Do they have a strong club rugby scene in Argie ? Are the gifted amateurs coming through nurtured by Argentinian rugby or encouraged to develop further skills in Europe ? I'm interested if the powers to be in Argentine Rugby have a say or do the players/agents take the inishative themselves to head o/s ? As mentioned by other rugby enthusiasts would be great to see a strong comp set up similar to original Super 6 with a couple of teams from Canada , States and Sth America to try and keep the good players at home and further develop Rugby as a National sport . The general rugby community in Argentina (and the Americas) must be crying out for something to progress .
Ben.S
Roar Guru
I agree Argentine players are probably less attractive because not only do they miss the start of the season in England and France, but their pre-season conditioning would have to be tailored differently. Tbh, it's probably more of a French problem, as not too many Argentines play in England.
Shop
Guest
You could be right. My source on Agulla wasn't exactly concrete. Still though, RB makes a good point about the Argies becoming less attractive to European clubs now that they have to play tests outside the IRB window. I'd still like to see Australia help out more. A few of the Super franchises would really benefit from some "Argie intervention", especially at scrum time.
Ben.S
Roar Guru
I never read that officially anywhere. In any case, Agulla found a new club immediately and the Tigers brought in three English wingers, so perhaps there was more to it than the RC? It hasn't been a problem for Ayerza.
Sam
Guest
better lift your game wallabies
Sam
Guest
good the stuff by the pumas shame they couldnt came up with the win lookslike they might settle in quicker than we thought theyll only get better
Upriver
Guest
This is admirable from the Boks as it's not as if Argentina are lacking resources like many other countries (or are they?). Rugby in Argentina is mostly played by those with money and difficult to play or be accepted into some clubs if you don't. The Argies don't drink much nor gamble so no money to be made by clubs there. I guess that leaves gate takings and TV coverage / advertising. Maybe Shop can tell us if there's any advertising / sponsorship in the game?
Sircoolalot
Guest
Maybe even a Heineken Cup style tournament with the best teams from the US and Canada!
Ziggy
Guest
South Africa have done a lot to help establish rugby union in Argentine over many decades.
Upriver
Guest
I'm also a believer in strengthening the local environment rather than running up long haul mileage. However doing that and staying amateur as is the Argentine Union's want is simply not compatible. Apparently the AU were the only national body of the eight unions to vote against the code turning professional and this dated outlook by the old boys club running Argentine rugby will not help national or regional development of rugby. Unfortunately Uruguay, who qualified for the 2003 RWC, don't seem to be making progress either.
Shop
Guest
The Pumas understand thos and are trying to play a more expansive game. They still need to stick to thier strengths though...