The introduction of Argentina in the Rugby Championship has generally been seen as a good thing. Australian, South African and Kiwi players have spoken of how stale and predictable the old Tri Nations had become. Moreover, they were keen to add how Argentina has brought about something different, with several SANZAR players experiencing for the first time the passion of Argentine fans, along with the outright hostility displayed towards opposing teams. Since the introduction of the Argentineans in the Rugby Championship they have won many fans with their resilience, determination and fierce defence. Despite these plucky traits, which are synonymous with Argentine rugby, there is one stat that aches at the Pumas: they have yet to taste victory in the Rugby Championship. The Pumas are unlucky to be winless: they should have beaten a lacklustre South Africa in Mendoza in 2012 and 2013 when they were in good positions. Moreover, against the Wallabies, Argentina lost both games on the Gold Coast and in Perth when they should have won. The problem lies in Argentina’s inability to close out games when in good positions with 15-20 minutes of the game remaining. In addition, Argentina suffers from using their fabled strength – their forwards – when in the scrum and breakdown more than they need to. During the Australia/Argentina game at Perth, the Pumas won several penalties in the second half as a result of their dominant scrum. On several occasions, the Pumas used the lineout to go for the catch and drive that would propel their rolling maul to the tryline. However, it resulted in two outcomes. Firstly, on two occasions the Australians managed to go through the middle to disrupt the maul, hold up the ball carrier and turn it over for a Wallaby scrum. Secondly, when the Argentinean maul was stopped, the Pumas decided to go on a strategy of pick and go. On several occasions the Puma forwards struggled to inch their way to the tryline. However, it resulted in forced knock-ons, or the ball carrier being isolated by a chop tackle leading to being turned over or penalized for holding onto the ball. From it, the Argentineans gave away multiple opportunities in the second half while encamped in the Australian 22. Instead of playing it to the backs, the Pumas’ use of their forwards time and time again in the hope they could bulldoze their way through failed. Argentina focusing on their powerful scrum is not a bad thing, as a strong pack can allow a base for the backs to perform. However, not utilizing the backs when it’s the right time to do so, either through lack of composure or belief in their backs, won’t win the Pumas any games. One stat shows just how much Argentina relies on their forwards – their top try scorer in this year’s Rugby Championship has been their loose forward Juan Manuel Leguizamon, who has scored three of their five tries. It isn’t as if the Pumas back division is not talented. Fly half Nicholas Sanchez is an able goal kicker, while veteran centre Felipe Contepomi, mercurial fullback Juan Martin Hernandez and currently-injured winger Gonzalo Camacho add experience. But they do have two main flaws: they lack tries and when under pressure revert to type by using their forwards too much. Their appointment of Graham Henry to the Pumas backroom staff has helped, as his know-how has shown they can be a bit more expansive than before. When confident, their backs can score some well worked tries: notable examples include their try against New Zealand in La Plata last year and against Australia on the Gold Coast. But Argentina is still learning and facing Australia, South Africa and New Zealand is a daunting challenge. Having a Super Rugby team, possibly in 2016, will be a major boost for the Pumas as they can go from strength to strength. They can use Italy as a benchmark, as the introduction of two Italian teams in the Pro12 has benefited their national team, with Treviso’s improving performances in the Pro12 a case in point. But, prior to a possibly historic Super Rugby expansion into South America, the Argentineans could look elsewhere to improve their team and notably their backs. Argentina’s head coach Santiago Phelan’s contract expires in December after the end of year Tests and the rumour is he might leave the post after over five years in charge. What is most intriguing is those linked with the job are recently released World Cup winning coach Jake White and Waratahs coach Michael Cheika, whose issues with the NSW board are well known but for now seems to be staying in Sydney. Either man would be great for Argentina but time will tell if Phelan leaves and, if so, who will replace him. In the meantime, the Pumas look forward to an enthralling clash against the All Blacks this Saturday in front of 40,000 fans. theroar.au/2013/09/28/argentinas-backline-woes-costing-them-victory/
Posted on: Fri, 27 Sep 2013 20:07:03 +0000
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