He calls them the architects of anti rugby
Ex Supersport
While the atrocious weather conditions played a significant role in a low-scoring affair at Loftus Versfeld, I believe Argentina underlined their notoriety as the most negative side in world rugby in every single area of play. (That lets the wee abs off the hook!! Hahahahaha)
Not only were they cynical in conceding a plethora of penalties, the way they scrummed, contested the line-outs and mauls, and the number of off-the-ball incidents – in my view the most cowardice of acts – was infuriating to behold.
I would suggest that the underhand tactics employed by the visitors during the match were entirely pre-planned, with talk of embracing a new era and playing “more rugby” a well-rehearsed ruse. (Strong words from the good Doctor surely one of the outstanding rugby brains in rugby today)
Moreover, the Pumas, who are nothing short of a bunch of bullies, were aided and abetted by an average referee in John Lacey who was simply not sharp enough to penalise the culprits in question.
First and foremost, if we examine the scrum, public opinion will suggest that the Springboks struggled at the set-piece, with tighthead prop Jannie du Plessis destroyed by his opposite number.
However, upon closer inspection and analysis, I would argue that loosehead prop Marcos Ayerza in fact scrummed inwards – and thus illegally – all game, with the relatively green Lacey overlooking said indiscretions. As a result, Ayerza was transformed from a mediocre player into a world-beater.
In my book, trying to cheat as much as you can and then hoping to get away with your actions, is tantamount to anti-rugby.(I still think the wee abs are the most anti rugby team!!)
It invokes my ire when a team resorts to tactics contrary to the spirit of the oval game in order to simply prove competitive.
Argentina serve as irritating opponents in that they pick a fight at every single breakdown, hold players back, push them into the floor and shove them in the face.
Reserve scrumhalf Tomas Cubelli’s skirmish with Eben Etzebeth in the 47th minute of the match, serves as a case in point.
People will say that Etzebeth should mind his temper, but the fact of the matter is that the Pumas have a history of off-the-ball misdemeanours, which points towards premeditated thuggery.
While I believe the Springboks can expect similarly surreptitious tactics from the Pumas in Salta, Heyneke Meyer’s men must continue to rise above immature baiting and maintain their discipline.
That said, I have no doubt that Meyer and Chean Roux, in particular, will spend most of their time this week outlining the aforementioned concerns to Steve Walsh who will be in charge on Saturday.
Based on past performances, Walsh has shown to be unbelievably influenced by a partisan home crowd, which serves as a valid point of concern for the visitors who are physical yet fair.(Brendon he is after all a kiwi!! Expect his to heaviliy favour the Argies))
Ultimately, the onus rests with Walsh, his assistant referees and the TMO to protect talented players whose sole intention it is to play productive rugby and thereby entertain the viewing public at large.
As a spectator, are you equally frustrated by the prevalence of thuggery in the modern professional era, and what do you believe can be done to remedy the scourge?
Lets hope Walsh is going to blow properly.
Steve could try and blow us out of the game and the only thing one can do in these circumstances is to pile on points through tries. This can only be wore in Salta unless Steve does his job properly and deals with the Argie thugs right from the start.
Wonder what our Thomas would say to all this!
