Argentina a welcome addition to the Rugby Championship.

by **Biltong** Sat 15 Sep 2012 - 14:55

Amidst the disappointment of the quality of rugby in the Rugby Championship there is one team who has made a very positive welcome to the tournament.

Being the one nation in the top 8 that is still primarily amateur in their administration of rugby Union, one cannot ignore the passion, pride and diversity they have brought to the rugby championship.

Known as a team who can mix it with the best up front, it wasn't only the tradional strengths that have impressed thus far.

Granted they started their inaugaral match away from home and would have not raised many eyebrows with that performance, but since then Argentina has drawn with SA in Mendoza, pushed the All Blacks for 65 minutes and managed two tries aainst the Australians who only managed to take the lead in the 70th minute of their clash against a well motivated Argentinian outfit.

Argentina will finish their Championship at home in the last two matches, their supporters will be very proud of what their Puma team has achieved away from home in what must have been their toughest away leg in some time.

Is there a win on the cards for them at home?

I certainly hope so, if they can keep their energy levels up and tere is no question the motivation, pride and passion will be there in spades, they should do it.

A hearty welcome to the Pumas.

by rainbow-warrior Sat 15 Sep 2012 - 14:56

Biltong wrote:Amidst the disappointment of the quality of rugby in the Rugby Championship there is one team who has made a very positive welcome to the tournament.

Being the one nation in the top 8 that is still primarily amateur in their administration of rugby Union, one cannot ignore the passion, pride and diversity they have brought to the rugby championship.

Known as a team who can mix it with the best up front, it wasn't only the tradional strengths that have impressed thus far.

Granted they started their inaugaral match away from home and would have not raised many eyebrows with that performance, but since then Argentina has drawn with SA in Mendoza, pushed the All Blacks for 65 minutes and managed two tries aainst the Australians who only managed to take the lead in the 70th minute of their clash against a well motivated Argentinian outfit.

Argentina will finish their Championship at home in the last two matches, their supporters will be very proud of what their Puma team has achieved away from home in what must have been their toughest away leg in some time.

Is there a win on the cards for them at home?

I certainly hope so, if they can keep their energy levels up and tere is no question the motivation, pride and passion will be there in spades, they should do it.

A hearty welcome to the Pumas.

by OzT Sat 15 Sep 2012 - 14:59

Yes i thought they played with passion, and in this game took their 2 tries very well, up there with the best sides.

Didn't think their forwards so far were that dominant though. But deffo yes, a good addition to the game!

by TJ1 Sat 15 Sep 2012 - 15:35

Certainly not been outclassed in the way many predicted. A worthy addition and it can only be good for Argentinian rugby

by bsando Sat 15 Sep 2012 - 18:03

It was quite something to see Argentina cut open the Wallabies like that and I think they were very unlucky to not go on and win the game. A little more composure and they might have had it. Looking forward to their last two home games and their Autumn tests in NH against Wales, France and Ireland. I honestly think they are capable of winning their NH tour and would be surprised if they lost every game.

by mowgli Sat 15 Sep 2012 - 20:16

If they can work on their last third fitness then they will start beating Aus and SA within 2 years....superb addition to the tour and shuts up the naysayers who were against them joining because of a percieved chasm in class.

by Peter Seabiscuit Wheeler Sat 15 Sep 2012 - 20:53

Will you take London welsh for next years ?

by Pot Hale Sat 15 Sep 2012 - 21:52

mowgli wrote:If they can work on their last third fitness then they will start beating Aus and SA within 2 years....superb addition to the tour and shuts up the naysayers who were against them joining because of a percieved chasm in class.

Indeed, it's becoming quite apparent that a northern hemisphere team (and I deliberately include Argentina in that description) could do more than survive in the premier SH test competition. With a similar period of preparation, availability of players, and not held at the fag-end of a season (the World Cup basically), most of the top tier teams can give each other a run for their money. Indeed, one wonders what Argentina might achieve if some of their squad players weren't coming off the back end of an arduous Top 14 season flogging.

by **Pal Joey** Sun 16 Sep 2012 - 0:46

It's great to have them playing in Australia again. I can't believe it's 9 years since their last match here. Good for both countries (as well as NZ and SA) to host the Pumas. They fit in very well too.

They won't be ranked 8th for long. They have performed quite well in the RC so far and have proved they have what it takes to rattle the top 3 sides for a substantial part of game. It would not surprise me to see them ranked 3rd or 4th within the next few years.

They are a 'street-wise' group of players who are far more dangerous than the more predictable NH sides - add some passion & commitment (sorry for the cliche!) and they will more than likely turn over Australia in the return fixture.

by Taylorman Sun 16 Sep 2012 - 5:39

Been great alright. Very impressed the way they can cut out attacks early out wide in addition to around the breakdown.

Are they likely to beat either oz or NZ at home? Fascinating prospect, as will be playing a goosen inspired bok side in jburg. Can't wait for that one.

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Argentina a welcome addition to the Rugby Championship.

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