Don’t cry for me Argentina…I mean France
Argentina rocked the RWC pool tables with an inspired defeat of championship hosts France in St. Denis last night (official RWC article).
France appeared stunned by the aggressive defense of the Puma’s pack and could not get back on track as French Fly-half Skrela struggled to create offensive opportunities. Argentina played a simple game plan but their intensity and tenacity gleamed through every phase of their play. Uncharacteristically, the South Americans didn’t dominate their opposition pack, and lost numerous srummages and line-outs against the head. The Argentinian backline also played in atypical fashion, creating many scoring opportunities and constantly pressuring the French back three.
It seems this more balanced display in player performance between the backs and forwards was just the trick as the Puma’s put the pressure on both Ireland and France to step up to the plate. France must put this defeat behind them if they are to defeat Ireland to keep alive their chances of advancing from the Pool. Regardless of the result, all eyes will be on the last Pool D match where Argentina and Ireland will decide the fate of the entire Pool.
If Argentina can manage a defeat of Ireland and finish first in the Pool, they will likely face South Africa in the quarter-finals…a much preferred fate to the other option, New Zealand.
On the way to the match last night, we observed throngs of good-natured French fans taunting the small pockets of Argentine supporters in true rugby fashion with choruses of “Don’t cry for me Argentina”. The trip home after the match was conspicuously quiet. Viva La Revolucion!
