Argentina test a waste of time?
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Was the Argentina test against the World Cup champions South Africa a waste of time? Well that is the question being asked after a team that is mostly in pre-season training were smashed off the park by South Africa at the height of the southern hemisphere rugby calender.
The test seems to have been a waste of time judging from the result and few expert commentators expected the match to be close. It was looking quite the opposite when Argentina lead 9-0 after 30 minutes but it soon turned into a bloodbath.
The result will damage Argentina’s hopes of playing in a future four team southern hemisphere competition much like the European Six Nations. The Pumas are rebuilding but a result like this will not further their credentials at a time when a good result would have provided further impetus to their southern hemisphere push to join the South African’s, Australia and New Zealand.
South Africa 63 Argentina 9
The Springboks started off slowly against the Pumas but finally blew them off the field to celebrate Nelson Mandela’s 90th birthday. Such is the inspiration that Nelson Mandela has provided the Springboks side it could hardly not deliver a big win to celebrate his birthday.
South Africa started slowed, for the first thirty minutes the Boks were disjointed, displayed poor passing and a lack of discipline. All of these cost them dearly. Argentina soon skipped to a 9-0 lead after three penalties to Felipe Contemponi.
The poor performance of South Africa in the first thirty minutes was not all their own doing, Argentina pressured the Boks into error and looked the superior team. As Argentina began to fatigue the Boks pounced.
In the 32nd minute a poor pass that went over the head of Butch James by Ricky Januarie was grabbed by Jean de Villiers, who made a 50 metre run before unleashing Adrian Jacobs to score. This seemed to spark the Boks into action as debutant winger Jongi Nokwe scored before half-time to give the Springboks a 14-9 lead.
The half-time break was perhaps a relief for Argentina as the momentum had shifted before the break but the 10 minutes before half-time proved to be an appetizer for the Boks. The Boks came out firing after the break and went on a scoring rampage. 49 points were scored in 40 minutes, 7 tries to nil in what was a complete destruction of Argentina. Tries went to Pierre Spies, Fourie de Preez, Bismarck du Plessis while JP Pietersen and Joe Van Niekerk scored two tries each in the second half rampage.
The win was not without a cost for South Africa as Bakkies Botha and Jaque Fourie are in grave doubt for the All Blacks in Cape Town next week. Bakkies Botha injured his knee while Jacqu Fourie has a suspected cracked cheekbone. Both were taken to hospital for further scans, should either player be ruled out it would be a blow to the Boks but the depth for the Springboks is impressive. For players like Steyn and Kankowski to be unable to make the team it highlights the depth the South African’s have in their rugby teams.
South Africa 63
Tries: Adrian Jacobs, Jongi Nokwe, Pierre Spies, JP Pietersen (2), Fourie de Preez, Joe Van Niekerk (2), Bismarck du Plessis
Goals: Butch James 8 conversions
Argentina 9
Goals: Felipe Contemponi 3 penalties
South Africa destroy Argentina
South Africa finally destroyed Argentina after a lacklustre start that provided Argentina with a 9-0 lead early through three penalties to Felipe Contemponi. It took till near half-time for the Springboks to spring into gear going into the break 14-9 after two tries to Adrian Jacobs and debutant Jongi Nokwe. The Boks took a 14-9 lead into the break.
Peter de Villiers must have given the Boks a serve at the break as they came out on fire in the second half. Argentina were unable to withstand the surge as the Boks piled on the points, finally running out with a 63-9 win.
The Ruck and Maul will provide a more detailed match summary later today.
Did you see the game? Share your thoughts on the match in our comments section.
South Africa 63
Tries: Adrian Jacobs, Jongi Nokwe, Pierre Spies, JP Pietersen (2), Fourie de Preez, Joe Van Niekerk (2), Bismarck du Plessis
Goals: Butch James 8 conversions
Argentina 9
Goals: Felipe Contemponi 3 penalties
Rugby: South Africa vs Argentina Preview
Tomorrow the South African Springboks take on the Argentine Pumas in what is looking to be an interesting encounter. This match will answer many questions, not the least is the ability of Argentina to compete against the big gun southern hemisphere nations on a regular basis.
I believe the more internationals Argentina can play the better but I think this match will prove that should they be added into a future four team southern hemisphere rugby competition they would become cannor fodder, much like Italy have in the Six Nations. The upside is that this regular competion will make them stronger much as it has finally started to with Italian rugby.
South Africa have made a number of changes aimed at keeping a large squad in shape for the three make or break Tri-Nations matches ahead, one against New Zealand and two against Australia. The Springboks will be looking to fire on all cylinders and push the Pumas aside with as much venom and firepower as possible. The last thing the Boks will want is injuries to any key stars and will be looking to claim any early advantage to ensure they snuff out any threat from the Argentine’s.
Argentina are in a rebuilding stage and are looking down the barrel of what could be a heavy defeat. The retirement of legendary Puma Augustin Pichot has left a gaping hole in the team at scrum half. The recall of Felipe Contemponi will hopefully add some zeal and resilence to the Pumas but even with his experience it will be hard for the Pumas to come close to the Boks who have far too much firepower.
The Ruck and Maul Verdict: South Africa by 22.
South Africa
Conrad Jantjes, JP Pietersen, Adrian Jacobs, Jean de Villiers, Jongi Nokwe, Butch James, Enrico Januarie, Pierre Spies, Juan Smith, Luke Watson, Victor Matfield, Bakkies Botha, CJ van der Linde, Bismarck du Plessis, Tendai Mtawarira.
Reserves: Adriaan Strauss, Brian Mujati, Andries Bekker, Joe van Niekerk, Fourie du Preez, Jaque Fourie, Percy Montgomery.
Argentina
Bernardo Stortoni, José María Núñez Piossek, Federico Martín Aramburu, Miguel Avramovic, Horacio Agulla, Felipe Contepomi, Nicolás Vergallo, Juan Manuel Leguizamón, Juan Martín Fernández Lobbe, Martín Durand, Patricio Albacete, Rimas Álvarez Kairelis, Pedro Ledesma, Mario Ledesma, Rodrigo Roncero.
Replacements: Alberto Vernet Basualdo, Marcos Ayerza, Esteban Lozada, Álvaro Galindo, Alfredo Lalanne, Benjamín Urdapilleta, Rafael Carballo.
South Africa unveil team for Argentina
The Springboks today unveiled there side to take on the Pumas in Johannesburg on Saturday. The side includes Jongi Nokwe who will make his debut. Nokwe is blessed with exceptional speed, much like injured Bryan Habana he will continue the Springbok tradition of utilising extreme speed to exploit their opponents.
The team features no real surprises and is built more about ensuring the team have a solid workout before the big clash against the All Blacks next week in the Rugby Tri-Nations series. Percy Montgomery has been selected on the bench and should he make it on to the field he will clock up a Boks record of 99 matches. Joe Van Niekerk is also in line for his 50th cap off the bench.
It is expected that front line players Schalk Burger and Bryan Habana will be back for the make or break clash against the All Blacks next week.
The South African team is;
Conrad Jantjes, JP Pietersen, Adrian Jacobs, Jean de Villiers, Jongi Nokwe, Butch James, Enrico Januarie, Pierre Spies, Juan Smith, Luke Watson, Victor Matfield, Bakkies Botha, CJ van der Linde, Bismarck du Plessis, Tendai Mtawarira.
Reserves: Adriaan Strauss, Brian Mujati, Andries Bekker, Joe van Niekerk, Fourie du Preez, Jaque Fourie, Percy Montgomery.
Are Pumas a one hit wonder?
Argentina had a fantastic World Cup in 2007 finishing third. The dour style of play was gone and in it’s place was a brash and exciting game styled very much in the style of French provincial Rugby where many of the Puma stars play.
Much was expected of Argentina in the tests played against Italy and Scotland but the Pumas post World Cup were world’s away from the side that took the Rugby world by storm. While the team have undergone some changes since the Rugby World Cup they will be keen to show they have something serious to offer the Rugby world.
Success or at least a strong performance will be pivotal for the Pumas if they are to show they are worthy of being a part of the southern hemisphere international Rugby calendar. With Argentina pushing for a place alongside the All Blacks, Wallabies and the Springboks a performance that will push the Boks all the way is the key to their potential acceptance in any expanded Tri-Nations series.
With the top four teams now all in the southern hemisphere Argentina have the chance to show they are deserving of their fourth place in the IRB rankings. I can’t see them posing a threat to the Boks and will be surprised if they are with 20 points at the end of the game but I hope for the Pumas and for Rugby in the region they push the Boks, or even pull off a major upset.
The Ruck and Maul will preview this match later in the week.
New Zealand push for Super 14 changes
Reports today that there is a strong push from the New Zealand provincial teams to revamp the Super 14 competition. The New Zealand push is for a 14 team trans Tasman tournament that would involve nine teams form New Zealand and five from Australia.
I don’t think this has series legs but their is some merit in the discussions. The Super 14 series will is currently locked in till 2011 with the South African’s, Australian’s and New Zealand. Any changes would depend on the approval of all teams and while South Africa have talked about leaving after the current contract runs out I see it unlikely.
The current broadcast deal is lucrative and should South Africa move away from the Tri-Nations series then they would look to join that of Europe which could prove detrimental to their development against the two best Rugby nations in the world.
The Super 14 need to look at expansion into the Pacific Islands and also Japan, this move would lock in the long term future of the game in the southern hemisphere and secure the development of the game in the region. I would like to see Argentina join the current Tri-Nations series, this would be great for Argentina and also expand on the current Tri-Nations series.
Planet Rugby have a good article on this called The End of Super Rugby?, check it out if your interested.
Steyn left out of Springboks squad
The South African Springboks have announced their squad for the upcoming match against the Argentine Pumas and the following Tri-Nations matches against the All Blacks and Australia.
In a surprising move coach Peter de Villiers left out star players Francois Steyn and Ruan Pienaar from the squad of 24. It is a surprising move as the versatility of both players makes them ideal choices to fill a spot in the team but perhaps this versatility has been their downfall as Peter de Villiers has shown a preference for specialist players.
This is a blow to both players who have played well and are capable of being first choice players in a range of positions for the Boks. I find the Steyn decision crazy as he has shown the ability to win a game single handedly with his skills or his kicking. I would consider Steyn and Ryan Kankowski who is also missing from the squad as automatic starting players. Two other players were also left out of the squad Odwa Ndungane and Gurthro Steenkamp.
The Springboks will be captained by Victor Matfield once again in the absence of regular captain John Smit. The Boks will take on Argentina in Johannesburg on Saturday 9th August.
Forwards: Adriaan Strauss, Andries Bekker, Bakkies Botha, Bismarck du Plessis, Brian Mujati, CJ van der Linde, Joe van Niekerk, Juan Smith, Luke Watson, Pierre Spies, Schalk Burger, Tendai Mtawarira, Victor Matfield.
Backs: Adrian Jacobs, Bryan Habana, Butch James, Conrad Jantjes, Enrico Januarie, Fourie du Preez, Jaque Fourie, Jean de Villiers, Jongi Nokwe, JP Pietersen, Percy Montgomery.
Italy 13 Argentina 12
Italy triumphed 13-12 over Argentina in what was a costly night for Argentina. Not only did they lose a game they were expected to win but they lost star Juan Martin Hernandez after 20 minutes with a wrist injury.
Argentina led 12-3 at the break after taking a 6-0 lead early through 2 penalties to Hernandez. The game was uninspriring and was marred by referee Matt Goddard blowing 30 penalties to reduce the match to a bore fest. Italy came back strongly in the first half to bring the score back to 12-6. Argentina could have extended their lead but failed with two penalty attempts, those misses were to prove costly when Italy scored a last gasp try to replacement Leonardo Ghiraldini. It was then up to Marcato to convert fir victory and he held his nerve to provide Italy with an inspirational win against the Pumas in Argentina.
Italy 13
Tries: Leonardo Ghiraldini
Goals: Andrea Marcato 2 penalties, 1 conversion
Argentina 12
Goals: Juan Martin Hernandez 2 penalties, Marcelo Bosch 2 penalties
Argentina vs Italy Preview
Argentina and Italy will be primed for a big one off test at the Estadio Olimpico in Argentina. Italian coach Nick Mallett has recalled three stars from Stade Francois who were unavailable due to team commitments last weekend. Star Sergio Parisse will return and captain the side that lost to South Africa 26-0 in a brave performance last week. He is joined by teammates Mirco and Mauro Bergamasco who will give the Italian side more experience and impact. Luke McLean has retained his spot after a strong performance against the Springboks.
Argentina have also been strengthened by the addition of their stars from Stade Francois and Biarritz who both lost their semi final matches last weekend. Argentina have dropped a number of players from their shock loss to Scotland 26-14 at home. Gonzalo Tiesi, captain Felipe Contempomi, Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe, Ignacio Fernandez Lobbe, Santiago Gonzales Bonorino, Marcos Ayerza and Federico Serra have all been dropped from the side that lost 26-14 to Scotland last week
Argentina should be too strong in front of their home crowd and with a number of stars back they should have to much firepower. Argentina by 12.
Argentina
Horacio Agulla, Miguel Avramovic, Lucas Borges, Marcelo Bosch, Alejandro Tomas Campos, Manuel Carizza, Martin Durant, Pablo Gambarini, Alvaro Galindo, Juan Francisco Gomez, Juan Martin Hernandez, Alfredo Lalanne, Juan Manuel Leguizamon, Pedro Ledesma, Esteban Lozada, Federico Aramburu, Rodrigo Roncero, James Stuart, Bernardo Stortoni, Hernan Senillosa, Alvaro Tejeda, Nicolas Vergallo.
Italy
Andrea Marcato, Kaine Robertson, Mirco Bergamasco, Gonzalo Garcia, Matteo Pratichetti, Luke McLean, Simon Picone, Sergio Parisse, Mauro Bergamasco, Josh Sole, Carlo Antonio Del Fava, Santiago Dellape, Carlos Nieto, Fabio Ongaro, Ignacio Rouyet.
Reserves: Leonardo Ghiraldini, Alex Moreno, Tommaso Reato, Alessandro Zanni, Pablo Canavosio, Enrico Patrizio, Riccardo Pavan/Jaco Erasmus.