Rugby Championship Preview: Argentina
Ahead of the 2017 Rugby Championship, we preview the teams looking to get their hands on the coveted silverware. First up it is Argentina.
Since their introduction into the tournament in 2012, they've not finished better than fourth spot except in the shortened format of 2015. That will be something they will hope to change despite struggling to make progress with their Test-filled Super Rugby side, the Jaguares.
They have the players to hurt any side but it's consistency in showings and the nerve to hold out for wins that's where they must improve.
Last year: Just one victory in 2016 which came against South Africa in Round 2 when they ran out 26-24 winners. Other than that though it was another disappointing campaign with five defeats to their name, the biggest coming away to New Zealand. That game started promisingly when Santiago Cordero crossed after two minutes and despite New Zealand cutting loose late on, there were positives for the Pumas to take.
Late tries from Johan Goosen and Warren Whiteley denied the Pumas an opening win over South Africa in Nelspruit but a week later Santiago González Iglesias' penalty saw them come out on top against that same opposition. Facundo Isa was named man-of-the-match in that triumph.
However then came four successive losses to New Zealand and Australia as a promising tournament start was not built upon. A poor campaign.
This year: As mentioned, there's little to suggest from the Jaguares' recent exploits in Super Rugby that a first Rugby Championship title is in the offing for Argentina. Just seven wins from 15 matches from that outfit, so they therefore need to up their game at this level if they are to avoid another last place. Despite the bookmakers thinking otherwise, Australia are probably their fellow wooden spoon battlers.
They boast a strong set-piece with Agustín Creevy at the forefront while the locks, back-row and half-backs are also solid. On paper their squad is capable of squeezing a win against any side on their day, but there is a worrying pattern developing with the Pumas in the Rugby Championship as bright showings aren't closed out. They will hope to have turned a corner but expect another negative return on the table.
Ones to watch: Skipper and hooker Agustín Creevy always leads by example and never shirks a challenge put in front of him. Once again they need him at his physical best and if he, and his tight five, can better their opposites then the Pumas will stand more than half a chance.
Prediction: A fine campaign would be three wins from six and a second place finish, which they're capable of if they can put in consistent performances at their peak. However the prospect of that has proved unlikely in the past so it's another bottom spot we're afraid. Fourth.
Fixtures:
Saturday, August 19: vs South Africa (away)
Saturday, August 26: vs South Africa (home)
Saturday, September 9: vs New Zealand (away)
Saturday, September 16: vs Australia (away)
Saturday, September 30: vs New Zealand (home)
Saturday, October 7: vs Australia (home)