One of the real successes of the 2011 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand was how smaller population centres adopted the international sides that were based in their locale.
Rotorua had Namibia, Nelson absorbed Italy and Wales became honorary citizens of Hamilton. While England’s assigning to Dunedin means that perhaps not all of them worked out, in the main sides playing a long way from home ran out onto a foreign field to masses of their national colours, seriously bad national anthem singing and wholehearted and infectious local support.
Schools climbed on board en masse and even grizzly local rugby club veterans were known to have different colours around their neck for the first time in a lifetime.
It gave a lift to games that were outside the main game press reporting and the visiting rugby players had a sense of belonging and support, and I know how appreciative they were for it.
Now is the time to rally around our friends from Argentina.
Parramatta and Newcastle, I am calling on you to show some solidarity for those who have put themselves in a seriously difficult position for the viability of the tournament, for sport in general and, most importantly, for the good of the game we all love.
COVID has ensured disrupted preparation for all, but Argentina are in the worst situation of all the upcoming combatants. We should all admire the efforts they are making to getting a starting XV onto the park. They left home early so they could train in Uruguay and arrived early in Australia to ensure they could get their game time minutes up before Test time, with the Waratahs the first opposition off the ramp.
Such is their willingness to place stress on the squad that Michael Cheika has joined them in a coaching capacity this week. (What are the odds that joke comes back to hurt me?)
Coach Mario Ledesma is a hard man and a real bloke. He knows how difficult the task before him is, especially given the number of players from their last Test squad who are unavailable, yet here is he is, larger than life, manning up for the challenge.
Mana is a huge word in Aotearoa. We don’t share it or use it lightly, but our friends from South America are displaying the personal and collective courage, plus the strength in pride and national identity that warrants the description.
For those unaffiliated with Australia or New Zealand at any given game, get yourself a ticket to the Pumas, don the light blue, learn some rudimentary Spanish, leap up and down on the spot for 80 minutes, neck a bottle of Malbec, bring along your laser pointers and rejoice in supporting a side I am proud to have at the Tri-nations.
Now excuse me while I plot a way to get a box of poultry into Forsyth Barr for the next visitors we have from the Republic.
woodart
Guest
palmy was pumas adopted city. friend of mine was local organiser. had to find extra big cuts of steak for players. went through huge amount.
Carlos the Argie
Roar Guru
She’s in Salamander Bay.
bigtree.smallaxe
Roar Rookie
I believe I was too young to be offered that, but I'll add that to my lockdown cocktail list.
Muzzo
Roar Rookie
As I said Carlos, it was in reference to one of the SA commentators, but being realistic, don't you think its quite strange that in their local competition, they promote a team with the name of an animal that is not even on the African continent. Cheers
bigtree.smallaxe
Roar Rookie
De nada
fiwiboy7042
Roar Rookie
the same restrictions apply to both teams
Carlos Antunovich
Guest
Thanks.....from Argentina,,,Thanks
Sinclair Whitbourne
Roar Rookie
Carlos, not to me and not to lots of others. He was born in Rosario, Argentina, played rugby and is an enduring inspiration for me. One man's murderer and terrorist is another's freedom fighter? I hope you can forgive our difference in political views, as I enjoy your posts and respect your views.
Carlos the Argie
Roar Guru
Not cerveza but vermouth with coke. Don’t ask me, a developed taste after my departure.
Carlos the Argie
Roar Guru
Highlander, you meant to say YOUR English. He’s Argentinian and not English.
Micko
Roar Rookie
Well at least they're showing up to provide competition.
Double Agent
Guest
Hey Carlos I live about five minutes from your Mum.
Micko
Roar Rookie
Seventy bucks! :shocked: Surprised they still got that many to show up.
Double Agent
Guest
So what? Even if that's true they're getting some much needed cash. They're getting respect too. It's a 2020 Covid season.
Double Agent
Guest
Yes that was odd.
Double Agent
Guest
Manu you speak Australian way better than I speak Argentinian.
Kanggas2
Roar Rookie
It’s not realistic at all
Kanggas2
Roar Rookie
Tickets were $20 for Waratahs v blues in February. I think you are disappointed in rugby but keep to the truth about the prices Plus. The members thing for tickets was wallaby’s members , just involves signing up that’s it $30 for Argentina v nz. Stop being so negative about everything and if you were in Newcastle as long as I am , you would see that rugby league has massively declined in the juniors ... and it’s a multi sport town now . Just enjoy yourself and get along and support a team.
Haha…the Chicken part made me laugh….
If thats what they do and thats what NZ and Aus do then good on them for arriving and putting in the effort. I will count Arg as a rugby friend for life because of what they have shown here and Im going to be looking for an Arg RC 2020 shirt to support them. They are winners no matter what the score is in any matches they play...Some Take lemons and make lemonade SA takes lemons and runs for the hills in case someone else may want some lemon juice... So if anyone knows the best web site for me to get an Arg shirt where it definately goes to the Arg rugby body then let me know...