If you were at the Millenium Stadium yesterday, or if you watched the game on TV from a respectable distance, it should not have gone unnoticed to you the way Los Pumas disposed of the Dragons – Argentina winning 26-12.
With their rock-solid defence (something we already witnessed this year) as platform, the Argentinians also showed improvements in their attack, particularly in the first try of the game, with forwards impressively offloading in the tackle and linking with the backs to set up a wonderful try.
So who could say their inaugural stint in the Southern Hemisphere’s most powerful competition has taught them nothing? Argentina are showing progress in their attacking game, whereas they maintain their usual standards in their defensive systems.
All in all, it was just their second win in that venue; but that otherwise difficult feat was never threatened by the Welsh from the moment the Argentinians scored the first try.
Truth be told, the Welsh did themselves no favours with their poor discipline (Alun Wyn-Jones please stand up) and their high-quality backrow going almost unnoticed (notable exception: Toby Faletau).
But it was the Welsh after all. The Welsh at the Millenium Stadium.
What made the difference this time is that Argentina had played nine matches in 2012, whereas before they had been included in the Rugby Championship they usually played only two or three games before November Tests.
These extra tests against quality opposition has helped Argentina:
Firstly, check their weak points against the best opponents. Second, have more time to get the team playing together. Thirdly, evolve their systems to the requirements of the modern-day game. And finally, sharpen their players’ skills.
And it is, it seems, time to harvest for Los Pumas. There can be absolutely no doubt Argentina are a better team than a year ago.
And it should be no doubt that next year’s Rugby Championship will be even better as long as Argentinian players are released by their (French) clubs.
Neuen
Roar Rookie
Thank you my friend. a Thing not many people may have notice was the gap in years between Argentina and Australia meetings before the TRC. We had to wait for a World Cup to face Australia basically. Which was really sad as the ARU decided Los Pumas was not marketable enough to sell and thus avoided playing tests vs Argentina. Maybe Australia is thinking to much about money and filling stadiums than concentrating on the game itself dunno.
Ai Rui Sheng
Guest
The Pumas were magnificent and I felt pride that a team from "THE CHAMPIONSHIP" showed why it is called "THE CHAMPIONSHIP". THe Pumas did not receive the rub of the green from Bleatingish referees in The Championship.
The Battered Slav
Guest
Good to have some genuine Argie input on here Neuen, keep 'em coming, we need something to balance out all the Kiwi posters we have on here. Just kidding brews, I like hearing from you guys as well....
Sam
Guest
brilliant perfomance by the argentines should be a brilliant game against France.
Ra
Guest
They have always been tough, they're now going to be tougher, another SH team to demolish NH teams
Neuen
Guest
Are you saying that with mindset to improve Argentinian rugby or add depth to Australia and its Super Rugby teams. Last time we sent you a prop he went and played for Australia so we are quit happy to let them play at French clubs for the moment. South Africa is helping us with development by letting a team play in their Vodacom Cup. Previous times we had to use players who we thought made make it put them in Jaquar side and let them play Chile or some other team winning by 100 points. That does not show you anything. Argentinian rugby will get better once the semi amateur clubs turns professional and we start to compete in Super Rugby with them. We have clinics set up over the country which is great. One of my mates did not go to a private school like me and at public schools there is not that much rugby being played. They had to fight with authorities to to make a rugby team and use the schools name.
nickoldschool
Roar Guru
The Pumas now get the best of both worlds: play club rugby in goold old Europe and get 6 tests/year against the big 3 southerners. Lille next w-e should be interesting. odds should favor the french but not by much.
mace 22
Guest
Yes totally agree
Alan
Roar Guru
Great signs for the Pumas early. Can't wait for the match against the French in the morning friendly time of 7:00am next week. Hernandez at fulback is a good move. I like the look of the young Sanchez in the halves aswell.
Bakkies
Guest
Watching the second half it was definitely the first time I have seen them click under Phelan's tutelage. The accuracy, passing, cleanout, phase play was good. Wales backs when they get trapped in the midfield and don't open up space for their big wingers become one dimensional. There isn't the variety in their attack without Shane Williams coming off his wing and creating something out of nothing. A hugely underrated player in some parts.
Angus
Guest
totally agree, Lobbe would easily slot into any side and player like Camacho would bring a lot of flair to a team. that not even mentioning the improvement a few Puma front rowers could make. I feel room for 5 imports in each squad would both improve the quality of the Australian teams as well as helping nations like Argentina and the Island Nation.
Johnno
Guest
Your last line And it should be no doubt that next year’s Rugby Championship will be even better as long as Argentinian players are released by their (French) clubs. Well hang one why don't we admit them. Yes france ar heeling develop globular ugly sacrificing locals for imports why don't our super rugby clubs do that to make Argentina stay strong. Too selfish if you ask me our super rugby clubs, are we feel no obligation to help Argentina become a strong rugby nation, when push comes to shove if we are ot be honest, i don;t see any team being allowed to sign 5 Argnetina players each.
Tigranes
Guest
The Pumas will be a tougher game for France than Australia. I agree with Bazza, give them a couple more years, and I reckon they will have racked up their first test victories over South Africa and New Zealand, plus a few over the Wallabies as well.
Bazza Allblack Supporter
Roar Rookie
Good on the Puma's - bloody good to see them get such a good win. Wait until they are part of our comp. for two or three more years!
mania
Guest
i forgot that argentina would be pssed off that they didnt beat any of the triN teams this season and would take it out on the first team they played. awesome for the puma's to flex their collective muscles and let loose