The Pumas scrum has gone from a talismanic strength to their Achilles heel, much to the chagrin of coach Mario Ledesma.
The former Wallabies forwards coach will bring quiet confidence but a lack of faith in his scrum across the Tasman following Argentina’s 46-24 loss to the All Blacks in Nelson.
Saturday’s Rugby Championship Test against Australia on the Gold Coast will be Ledesma’s first against his former team since taking charge of the ninth-ranked Pumas from Daniel Hourcade six weeks ago.
He is perturbed by a slide in Argentine scrummaging standards, once considered the rock their game was built around.
Rookie All Blacks prop Karl Tu’inukuafe twisted and shoved the visiting pack for much of Saturday’s Test, depriving Argentina the sort of platform their classy back division can thrive on.
“We got torn apart so we need to get better there,” Ledesma said.
“It’s been the same for the last couple of years. Unfortunately other teams go hard at us there because they consider we’re really strong.”
Former hooker Ledesma isn’t new to scrum overhauls, having been credited with rebuilding Australia’s set piece under Michael Cheika from 2015-17.
Ledesma was otherwise delighted by how often his back division, orchestrated by five-eighth Nicolas Sanchez, were able to breach New Zealand’s defence.
There is a belief they can end a miserable run of results against the Wallabies, having lost 15 of their last 16 Tests, every Test on Australian soil since 1983.
“Why not? Even though we lost by 20 points, I think there’s a lot of positives from this game.”
Veteran All Blacks lock Sam Whitelock warned the Wallabies to brace for the panache and footwork, of the South Americans.
“They’ve got some guys that can light up pretty quickly,” he said.
“They’re really good on their feet and a couple of times from counter-attack they really cut us open.
“That’s a real strength of their game and no doubt they’ll be trying to build on that against the Wallabies.”
Old Bugger
Guest
But, what comes with lack of possession and territory is a higher tackle rate and as we all know, that facet of the game is likely to suck the energy right out of your players except, the ABs. This isn't the first game and it won't be the last where the ABs, have found themselves on the wrong end of the stats read and yet still managed, to find the energy to score and win, the match.
Paulo
Roar Rookie
I think that has contributed to a few misleading stat profiles from NZ teams this year, particularly in SR. Scoring quickly off counter attack with very few phases has the effect of skewing possession and territory stats .
Ben
Guest
I liked listening to Ledesma before and after the game. Honest and refreshing and critical of the issues his team failed at. He says all the right things. Im guessing the Aus tv coverage didnt show his pre match interview with Ian Smith. He was great. Asked how they would stop the dangerous counter attacks the ABs are so lethal at he simply said "im not going to tell you". On a side note talking Argentinian coaches massive congrats to Walter Alvarez for taking St Peters College Auckland to winning the national champions final and also Moascar cup. Hes been coaching at SPC for over 14 years and deserves this for his loyalty and hardwork. From 21-0 down and 21-5 at halftime..what a comeback 31-28. That was some try by Niko Jones (Michael Jones boy). 60m run. Takes you back 30 years i swear it was his dad. And the game breaker try from 5 out from their own line. Sensational. This is a win for all schools who refuse to import or give "scholarships" to good rugby players to enhance their rugby...
Ralph
Roar Guru
I am concerned for the Pumas, that the AB's scored in so few phases contributed to the game statistics, so at least in that respect a bit misleading. But wonderful running rugby from the Argentines. Beautiful to watch, I couldn't help but smile.
Old Bugger
Guest
An honest appraisal of his team's effort. They will no doubt work on this issue throughout the week although I suggest their back-line, will be cause for a few double-takes from the WB defence. The key IMO, is for the Pumas to be patient and not go hell-for-leather, from the get-go. They dominated the ABs across the paddock in nearly every stat except the most important - the score board. A repeat effort against the WBs next weekend would certainly give them confidence and encouragement, to spread the ball across the field with draw and pass tactics and take the game, to the WBs. Still, saying things is much easier than doing things so the Pumas, will have their work cut out to take this match especially if their scrum falters, once again.