All Blacks have expanded enemy intelligence regarding Los Pumas..............t would be fair to suggest that Argentina, despite being, almost unfairly based on some efforts, without a win in The Investec Rugby Championship, are the most technically awkward team to play against. Certainly over time the All Blacks have had some initial struggles, before often improving dramatically in the return Test match. This has become one of the most prominent aspects of Steve Hansen’s team – the ability to recognise from one international to the next the enhancements needed and the errors that need eradicating. Argentina, who lost 6-13 and 31-33 to the Springboks in Pretoria and Salta respectively, were supremely in control of the scrum exchanges, a surprise considering that Los Pumas have continued to introduce new blood, although veterans remain.Last year it was 7-3 to the Pumas until Aaron Smith’s try in the 23rd minute broke the game open for the All Blacks in what was a 28-13 victory in Hamilton, while the 33-15 score line in La Plata was flattered by Ben Smith’s five points in the 79th minute. Indeed, this is the biggest work on for Argentina. So competitive in many aspects, even dominant in some, they are often overrun in the close stages of matches by their SANZAR opponents, and coach Daniel Hourcade has been pushing fitness levels to assist in the hunt for an 80 minute performance........ Meanwhile All Blacks mentor Steve Hansen told the NZ Herald there were many aspects for his troops to be wary of. “Their scrum is very, very good,” he said. “Their lineout has variation in it which makes it difficult to upset their ball. “Ive always thought theyre one of the best defensive sides in the world - they show a lot of space on the outside but seem to be able to shut it down pretty quickly and their backs are looking to want to play.”
Posted on: Mon, 01 Sep 2014 08:10:05 +0000
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