Argentina find some form at last

Argentina could have been excused for feeling apprehensive about the trip to Marseilles to face France last Saturday evening. This despite an extraordinary run against Les Bleus which had seen them win six of the previous encounters, including embarrassing their more illustrious hosts twice in the game’s global showpiece in 2007. Marcelo Loffredo was replaced by the wonderfully named Santiago Phelan and since then Argentina had won just one of their next four encounters.

 

Marc Lievermont, the French coach, had promised to abolish his wicked rotational policy for a more consistent selection, and return France to the style of rugby we have become accustomed to. There was also an air of revenge at the Veledrome. Through luck, excellent defending and a nervous home team, Argentina escaped with a 12-6 defeat, but the return to any semblance of form was the most important aspect of Saturday’s game.

 

The transition for Phelan has not been easy and highlights the enormous problems that are faced by the Union Argentine Rugby. They were granted three “summer” tests by the International Rugby Board, and contrived to lose two of them. Scotland levelled the series in Buenos Aires, but a week later, Italy defeated Los Pumas in Mendoza. Their next clash emphasised the awkward position Argentina find themselves in world rugby.

 

South Africa had a free week from the Tri-Nations and, as a nation, were approaching the 90^th Birthday of Nelson Mandela. The SARFU wanted a high profile fixture to mark the celebrations, so Argentina were contacted. This provided more evidence that Argentina had reached the top table of Rugby Union, making it as far as the semi-finals in the 2007 World Cup. In reality, Argentina should never have agreed to this game. It fell in July, at a time when their European-based players were in pre-season. South Africa, on the other hand, were in mid-season.

 

Frankie Deges, of the Buenos Aires Herald, also pointed this fact out, but concluded by saying Argentina had to accept the invitation. When have they ever been granted an opportunity like this? If Argentina starts refusing shop window, money spinning chances like this, they may never come around again. And so it turned out that a tired and rusty Los Pumas were flattened by an ultra fit, extremely patriotic Springbok outfit. They were mauled. 63-9

 

Granting Argentina, a deeply amateur Rugby nation, admission into one of the two main annual events has been one of longest running disputes in world rugby. In December 2007, significant changes were made to their calendar allowing them twelve high profile fixtures per annum (up from nine), and a structure helping them to turn professional by 2012 – when they would be part of the Tri-Nations. Turmoil ensued though, as a vast majority of Argentine clubs voted to remain amateur.

 

The club system in Argentina is extremely complex, and one many people outside the country don’t understand. There is virtually no rugby only clubs, but are apart of a sports society, and turning one element professional, means the others must join. There’s isn’t enough money in the game, and despite the high level of interest in the national team, attendance at club level is remarkably low. The debate rages on.

 

For now, however, the side continues with its tour of Europe. They may not be as good as the class of 2007, but their pack is mean and fearsome, and with players like Juan Martin Hernandez, Felipe Contepomi and Horacio Aguillo in the back-line, quality still shines through. Their game is still based largely around the front eight, Hernandez’s boot and Contepomi’s place kicking, but they looked more like their old selves on Saturday.

 

A replacement is still needed for Agustin Pichot at scrum half, and having a winger from Edinburgh and full back from Glasgow doesn’t bode well. Again, this indicates the complexity of the national game. Fat men (props) and tall men (second rows) know from an early age their dream of playing for Boca Juniors and wearing Maradona’s number 10 won’t materialise. They are accepted into the rugby fraternity early, and so develop the necessary skills. There are over thirty Argentinean props playing in Europe right now. That’s a lot of beef.

 

But recruiting footballers away from the round ball is ever a struggle. Hernandez and Harlequins Gonzalo Tiesi are naturally gifted footballers who couldn’t make it in soccer. Argentina needs more players like this. Tiesi is an enigma though – he was excellent at London Irish but found opportunities difficult due to the number of foreigners at the club. The move across town to Quins looked a marriage, but it never worked out. He was replaced at half time on Saturday.

 

They defended stoutly, and maybe the recent recruitment of Fabien Galthie will provide more experience. In the third quarter, they created a half dozen line breaks and had France on the ropes. But Hernandez kicked possession away, and the lack of skills was also a worry. The line out coughed up too many glorious opportunities, and the backs, unusually, put far too many passes down. It’s about preparation. Their scrum though, and this will send shivers down the backs of the Irish front row, took two against the head to France. Then they brought on the talented Leicester Tiger prop Marcus Ayerza. Over to you, Messrs Horan and Hayes.

 

Argentina rolls into Croke Park on Saturday week with renewed hope. They love playing Ireland. Add to that, the fact they are the only “tourists” not on end-of-season mindset. They will have had four weeks by then, and just as fresh as Ireland. No to mention, highly motivated. The Puma is back – and it’s great for the game.