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Could we all take a lesson from Argentina’s fans?
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Roar Rookie
31st October, 2015
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South Africa's Victor Matfield. (EPA/DAVID JONES)
la bas
Roar Rookie
31st October, 2015
13
1318 Reads

At the end of the day our beloved rugby is a game, played with the utmost determination, vigour and bravery by all who play it.

I was struck with the look of absolute concentration and resolve on the faces of both teams before the third-place playoff. But however rough, tough, it’s not a battle. We all live another day. The Argentinian fans seem to know this.

The outcome was decided early in the first half but the pleasure the Argentinian fans took from the spectacle in the last half hour was wonderful. In this brief article I’ll attempt to convey not an analysis but a series of impressions from someone who enjoyed the spectacle too.

I couldn’t help but think what the outcome might have been if Argentina had been able to field its regular side. With nine players out injured the Argentine team was never going to be able to manage the precise execution in ruck/maul/scrum and complex backline manoeuvre that would be required to win.

In the event they were determined to play the same wide attacking plays that we have seen throughout the tournament. It’s exciting to consider what Argentina might do in the next few years?

I was delighted to see South Africa play an open expansive game. And it paid off. Why haven’t they done this before? They have a supremely big, tough and generally mobile forward back, some outstanding backs and are brutal defenders, and from what I see in Super Rugby Rugby a lot of players with enormous potential. Currie Cup is internationally recognised as a proving ground so the players are there.

Both teams were well led, South Africa by the legendary Victor Matfield, Argentina by Nicolas Sanchez in his first time as captain and I think both ensured that their teams played to win. There was enough aggro in the match to indicate each team meant business but not the spite that can creep in. It was bittersweet too watching the retiring players Matfield, Schalk Berger, Bryan Habana and Juan Martin Lobbe knowing I won’t see them again.

The referee did a sound job of letting the game flow. A number of penalties had to be enforced but generally there were many passages of fluid rugby. I’m not sure about mandatory yellow card offences, holding back a player on a tap kick, in fact I’m not sure about a lot of yellow card decisions really but we didn’t see the TMO often. The game took place on the field.

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I guess everybody enjoys views of the coaching team boxes. Yes, of the field I know, but entertaining and part of the modern spectacle. I often wonder who the coaches talk to on their mikes.

I have a feeling the captains or whoever gets the messages says yes and then gets on with the game. In the heat of it most of us don’t hear much at all. The interchange bench guys, that’s who gets the messages.

I don’t think that this was the best rugby game I’ve ever seen but it was played in a good spirit and the Argentinian fans thrilled to it. Naturally the South African fans would have been pleased with the result, as Victor was.

I have a strong sense that I would like to watch all matches like this and enjoy the game and not worry too much about the outcome.

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