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.
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.
Bozo
Guest
A yellow card for an offence be the Argentinian player 10 meters from the SA defensive try line destroyed the game.but one suspects Lacey thought he stamped his authority and after all the referee determining an outcome is why he was there. The game became a disappointment after that.
Bozo
Guest
jerry you have not been fortunate enough to be in England throughout RWC but as one who has been, I can tell you the Argentine supporters have been the most enthusiastic and engaged in the tournament. They have contributed substantially to the positive vibe and, unlike a lot of supporters of the more established nations, appeared to enjoy themselves and were without conceit.
hopalong
Guest
Hi Iaian. Please provide me with a link where Meyer says that he is the chosen one,and that if we do not like it we can lump it. When he was first appointed,he was ironically referred to as "The Messiah" But that is a quite different concept of "The Chosen One" Regards.
hopalong
Guest
Thank you Iaian for your concern and for your kind words.
Shop
Guest
Hola NB! I wouldn't be too harsh on the Pumas, they continued to try and play expansive ball in hand rugby, they were just too tired. The comp took its toll. As for the fans, I've been to every game in Mendoza since the start of the RC and it is definitely a different experience to most rugby crowds. No cheering the other team for good play, whistling while the opposition takes kicks at goal or when any decision goes against Argentina is typical. However, it is just how it is. Ireland you can hear a pin drop while both sides kick - it is just different. Argentina add a unique flavour to the rugby environment. I understand that the laser is a disgrace but apart from that it is a long way from the zoo that is a futbal crowd!
Nobrain
Guest
As an Argentine I do not really like the way the fans behave. i think is great to wear customs, colors , and sing songs, but the idea of Maradona cheering and camaras spotting on him , someone that has no clue what so ever about the rules of the game and giving his opinion over the game makes me sick to my stomach. Personally I do not want the game to become a soccer type of environment, we already have that for the people that enjoy it, so lets keep rugby as a different type of animal. I do not like lasser , nor fakining ,ref arguments with the players , ect.., Going to the game I think SA played brilliant and a legit winner of the game, Argentina did not have ball and when they had it they did not know what to do with it. They made it easy for the defense to cover the field, a kick or two behind the backs it would have help. Good to see SA playing are more open game, and also I would like to point out that imo SA players have the best technique to tackle, every time they do it the ball carrier end up two to three meters behind allowing the other players to make an run for the ball. After saying that SA won the game without a doubt I would like to point out that the the ref for this game was a clera dissapoinment and one of the worse I have seen in RWC, with his ridiculus calls and not calls prevented the game to be a much closer one.
Stinkos
Guest
Good article La Bas. It has helped put the pain of last night's defeat in perspective. This World Cup was played in remarkably good spirit all round. The crowds were appreciative, teams (less England) all embraced running rugby to the full extent of their abilities and attack reigned supreme. This is what crowds want: a spectacle and the sense that their team played to win, not just to defend and eek out penalties. I also loved the players nodding to our amateur traditions: tunnels off the field and stories of beers in the sheds afterwards. Good rugby is a great leveller, for players and fans alike. Well done to all 20 teams (yes, even England) for making this event great. Positive, attacking rugby won (literally and figuratively) If only WR can sort out the refereeing so that we never speak of it again. Would be interested on the views of other Roarers in this regard. Another article La Bas?
Iaian
Guest
I did watch this game, in my opinion it is valuable, it was a 3rd place at a world cup and the last time to get double world cup points. I love my rugga and now have to console myself to waiting another 4 years for more magical rugby. Aside from that - I hear there is trouble brewing in the lovely South Africa, with your coach saying to the press, he is the politicians choice, and if the public do not like it, they can lump it. Talk about arrogance in defeat. He would do well to take a leaf out of Hansen's book and be alittle more humble in both defeat and victory. I know the South African public rather well, there are alot of ex-pats in the UK and they are feeling alittle let down by Meyer at present. They kepth hoping he had something held back instore for the All Blacks and then the day arrived and it wasnt there. I enjoyed watching the Springboks and hope to continue to do so. Also been to South Africa several times what a beautiful country.. My next excuse will be when my team Scotland go out there on tour. Long live the ethos and good will between supporters.
DaniE
Roar Guru
The Argentinian fans were awesome at the RWC. To be jumping, dancing and singing towards the end of the 3rd/4th playoff, even when their team is losing, shows an appreciation of the sport, their team's massive effort and the festival. Wish I could have been there celebrating with them!
Dave
Guest
I am very much looking forward to next years Rugby Championship and Argentinas inclusion into Super rugby. They are the new entertainers of world rugby and should be a serious contender in both competitions.
Blake Standfield
Roar Guru
So a sub standard contest between two weakened teams playing for a consolation prize. And the fans didn't care about the result. Sounds enthralling.
Jerry
Guest
I know it's a minority and hasn't been an issue at the RWC, but considering Puma fans have indulged in the most disgraceful behaviour by any rugby fans that I can think of (bar one fat Bokke fan) - i.e. pointing lasers as opposition kickers - I'm not so sure they should be held up as the standard to shoot for.
hopalong
Guest
Says it all and says it best.Thanks pal.. But how often does it have to be said.? All wars on the field should lead to respect off it.