It was an expected match, with a big difference in the score, logically given the difference in the hierarchy of the teams. As we know, the Cóndors are in their first participation in the World Cup, and, although Chilean rugby has improved a lot in recent years, it still has a long way to go. compete in the same position as the higher ranked teams. There is still a big gap in level between the teams of Chile and Argentina. The Pumas have more experience and are used to playing abroad at a much higher level of competition.
Inside the game, there is not much to save. It was a very messy game, with a lot of turnovers. I understand that it was very hot and that probably made it difficult to manage the ball for both teams… More than that, there were some interesting individual performances, such as Facundo Isa. I also like Juan Martín González.
The team, by having a little more possession, control of the territory and possession of the ball, made a little game. Isa proved to be very powerful and fundamental in moving the team forward. González, a very athletic boy, with great speed for someone in his position, showed good offensive position. Without hesitation, they both stood up. In addition, there were good interventions by Rodrigo Isgró, despite the yellow card he suffered at the beginning of the match, and a nice try scored by Martín Bogado.
In fact, I’m having a hard time identifying a clear game plan. In my opinion it was a very messy game, pulled by the Pumas because of the hierarchy of their players. But it was difficult for me to identify clear and well-executed structures in the attacking game. In many moments it was difficult for the Argentine team to break the Chilean defense. On the contrary, despite all their limitations, the Cóndors managed to break our advantage many times. I have read some statistics that talk about the Pumas’ many missed tackles; If so, I consider it a matter of concern, considering the category of the opponent.
For all this, I will save only the victory, some individual performances and not much else. It’s time to quickly turn the page and focus on Japan, which will be the opponent to determine the game of the place (a real round of 16!), as can be predicted before the World Cup if we lose against England .
I don’t consider a game with this content in the game to help build confidence. The Pumas are expected to win because of the clear difference in the category that exists between the two teams, but I expect to see a more fluid and smooth match. I think it is very important to maintain order, control and discipline against opponents who are particularly bad, to wear them down and make a difference. However, I don’t have that feeling about the team’s performance. I don’t think his game is up yet…
Individually, I also like Coco Ruiz’s entry. In the few minutes that he played, he showed great dynamism, a great desire to play and a great power. In fact, he was able to reward his entry with a conquest. I also think that the entry of Lautaro Bazán Vélez, although maybe a little worse than Cubelli, created a little more dynamism, certainly against a very tired Chilean team.
Nico Sánchez’s 100 caps is something to celebrate, obviously. Not everyone can reach 100 games in a national team! In fact, I think there are only 28 players who have surpassed that number. This is more than rare, because it is very difficult to stay current at that level for a long time. This is a personal success for Nico, a boy who always has a lot of humility, contributes to the team and is ready to contribute in any role he has. Maybe these past few years, with a little continuity, it is more difficult for him, but there is no doubt that he is a very important player in the history of the national team.
Pumas 59 compact vs. Chile 5
The team process is difficult. He has been in three games and none of his performances have been convincing. The one against Japan will be an extremely difficult match, because it will probably bring more pressure… If the game starts with some doubts, that pressure will be counterproductive for the Argentine team. On the contrary, if they come out to play with confidence and are able to dominate Japan from the first minute, they will relax and be able to show, perhaps, their best rugby so far in the World Cup.
The truth is that if you win against Japan, that pressure goes away. The first goal, to qualify for the quarterfinals, will be achieved, and at that point it seems that another competition has suddenly started, where all the teams are on equal terms. Since then, anything can happen … The Pumas will enter the quarterfinals as a point, and I think that in that situation they will usually feel comfortable in achieving success, as they have done throughout their history. More than ever, their fate depends only on themselves…
