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FORUM / RUGBY /  Australia v Argentina: How the Pumas got it wrong. by Wynne Gray; NZ Herald

Australia v Argentina: How the Pumas got it wrong. by Wynne Gray; NZ Herald

Started by Just_win12 REPLIES317 VIEWS· 25 Oct 2015, 21:33
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JW
Just_winCaptain18,570 posts
25 Oct 2015, 21:33
#1
25 Oct 2015, 21:33#1

Argentina have come to grips with the Rugby Championship but have some way to go to comprehend World Cup rugby.

They got it so wrong when they fronted the Wallabies in the semifinal today. The inquisitions and findings will emerge about whether the Pumas struggled with the occasion, their temperament or were acting under instructions.

But their template for knockout rugby was badly askew and they were struck out of this year's race for the Webb Ellis Cup after ceding a massive start to the Wallabies.

The Pumas played most of the opening quarter of rugby down their end of Twickenham and when they made mistakes, the Wallabies punished them.

A 29-15 victory to the Wallabies has set up a trans-Tasman conclusion to this eighth World Cup, where the only unbeaten sides will vie to become the first nation to win three global crowns.

It will be the first time the All Blacks and Wallabies have met in a World Cup final, an extra chance to sort out this season's bagging rights after they split the Bledisloe Cup tests in Sydney and Auckland and a battle between the top two sides in the world.

It's a script many forecast if the Wallabies could get through their group. They escaped that squeeze against England and Wales and then a controversial late win over Scotland.

In their semifinal they squeezed up hard on the Pumas and benefitted from their flustered response. Twin converted tries inside 10 minutes was a massive boost for the Wallabies and while the Pumas looked likely at times they could not crack the Wallaby lines throughout the test while their rivals added another two tries.

Victory has given rookie international coach Michael Cheika and his team a chance on Sunday to cement a remarkable turnaround in Wallaby rugby. He and his team would celebrate this game before they worked out how to win against "a pretty dynamic (All Black) team."

Wallaby pressure told early when Rob Simmons intercepted an audacious in-ball before Adam Ashley-Cooper scored on each wing after gaffes from the Pumas who also lost lock Tomasi Lavanini to the sinbin for an illegal tackle.

It was another in the catalogue of questionable decisions made at this tournament but referee Wayne Barnes and the TMO were insistent. Everything worked for the Wallabies except their scrum as replacement loosehead James Slipper struggled to contain his opposite.

David Pocock returned from injury to dominate the breakdowns once more while the decisions from Will Genia and Bernard Foley were crisp. They saved the Wallabies late in the half with covering tackles when the Pumas looked certain to score.

JW
Just_winCaptain18,570 posts
25 Oct 2015, 21:35
#2
25 Oct 2015, 21:35#2
 Tough game for the Argies, things didn't click for them as they did last week. I missed to offloads, the running was there & some good individual moves in the backs. The pack were good in the scrums. Oz were just too much for them. Barnsey/TMO made a few questionable calls but not enough to change the result.
BE
Beeno1Captain40,032 posts
25 Oct 2015, 21:46
#3
25 Oct 2015, 21:46#3
 That first try by Simons JW. didnt Drew Mitchell knock on. I had just started watching and hadnt settled in yet.

BE
Beeno1Captain40,032 posts
25 Oct 2015, 21:49
#4
25 Oct 2015, 21:49#4
 The yellow they got re our thomas was very harsh as all our TV panel agreed.
A yellow and an Intercept try. expalins the points difference. Argies dominated large periods of the game.
Creating width by pin po int long passes to the wing etc was feature of the day.
JW
Just_winCaptain18,570 posts
25 Oct 2015, 22:00
#5
25 Oct 2015, 22:00#5
 I didn't see the first 20 minutes Beeno. So will have to check once I get it downloaded.  All water under the bridge but Argies should take some consolation. I hope the authorities don't issue a statement on Barnsey's performance (there were a few questionable calls), they shouldn't have been so quick to undermine Jou bert.
BE
Beeno1Captain40,032 posts
25 Oct 2015, 22:11
#6
25 Oct 2015, 22:11#6
 Barnes I believe is an honest ref. 
JW
Just_winCaptain18,570 posts
25 Oct 2015, 22:13
#7
25 Oct 2015, 22:13#7
 Yes, he has improved with Richie's guidance
CL
ClaydogClub Pro691 posts
25 Oct 2015, 23:04
#8
25 Oct 2015, 23:04#8
 They may have got it wrong but you have to love the way the Argies played. Created plenty of space and looked dangerous. Will be tough to take on in next years RC. Pokey has been massive this WC. First player picked in my world 15.
JW
Just_winCaptain18,570 posts
25 Oct 2015, 23:07
#9
25 Oct 2015, 23:07#9
 Congrats on the win Claydog!
CL
ClaydogClub Pro691 posts
25 Oct 2015, 23:14
#10
25 Oct 2015, 23:14#10
 Thanks JW. I think the correct teams made the final. Looking forward to the big one though will be tough for us to pull that one off. We are lacking in some consistency that the ABs have but anything can happen.
JW
Just_winCaptain18,570 posts
25 Oct 2015, 23:22
#11
25 Oct 2015, 23:22#11
 Chieka has the team playing really well, they have improved in leaps & bounds since he took over. I find the man offensive but he is getting it done. It will be a tough & could be a thrilling game.
CL
ClaydogClub Pro691 posts
25 Oct 2015, 23:30
#12
25 Oct 2015, 23:30#12
 I can see why some find him offensive but he was/is exactly what we needed. He was hard and uncompromising in his playing days and has taken that into his coaching. It is the first time in a while we have had a coach that inspired the team with his passion and from what I have heard they love playing for him. The talent was there and he has been fantastic in the time he has had. I am happy to buy him a beer any day.
WA
WardadPro6,663 posts
25 Oct 2015, 23:52
#13
25 Oct 2015, 23:52#13
 Cheers to you Mr Dawg ! hould be a cracker of a game next week ! And after that there is the playoff for 5th and 6th place otherwise know as the Six Nations !
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