Argentina will be looking to build on their shock win over New Zealand when they take on tournament hosts Australia on Saturday the 21st of November.
Image copyright – Steve Haag Sports
A highly confident Argentine side will be looking to make it two wins from two in the Tri-Nations when they take on an Australian outfit that has won one and lost one of their two games against New Zealand.
The Argentines made history last weekend as they beat the Kiwis in their opener. Can they make it two Australasian scalps in the space of two weeks?
Australia v Argentina
Saturday 21 November
Newcastle International Sports Centre
11:45
To Win (80 Mins)
Argentina 17/10
Draw 22/1
Australia 9/20
HandicapArgentina (+5.5) 9/10
Australia (-5.5) 9/10
Argentina
Well, what a time to be an Argentine rugby supporter. Los Pumas were given absolutely no hope by most rugby journalists but they managed to overcome the odds and beat the All Blacks 15-25 this past weekend. This was their first-ever victory over the men from ‘Land of the Long White Cloud’ and they’ll cherish that moment for a long time to come.
The question now is whether the Argentines will suffer from a hangover this weekend or will they fire again? I think we may see a bit of both. While they’re an experienced side, they still have that South American passion floating about the squad which could see them believe their own hype headed into this one.
If they are to avoid cockiness head into this one, they’ll need men like Nicolas Sanchez – the veteran pivot played an absolute blinder last weekend – to keep everyone grounded during the build up. The Argentines will also need to be a bit more disciplined this weekend as they did get away with a number of cynical moments against the All Blacks.
Australia
The Wallabies will certainly not be underestimating the Argentines after what transpired last weekend. Los Pumas fired a massive warning shot, particularly to the Australian forward pack, who are in for a battle royale this Saturday.
While home ground advantage will count in favour of Dave Rennie’s men, it must be remembered that they lost 5-43 to New Zealand in the opener of the tournament, which was played at the Australia Stadium. The Wallabies did manage to bounce back from that defeat as they beat the old enemy 24-22 the following weekend in a game that saw each side pick up a red card.
It will be interesting to see what Rennie does when it comes to team selection. Argentina were really smart in the way they managed their clash against New Zealand as they slowed the game down to a walking pace at times. While this will be hard to counteract, I feel Rennie may look to young fly-half Noah Lolesio to speed things up. Reece Hodge was at pivot for the Wallabies win over New Zealand but he’s not exactly a fly-half who’s with a full arrange of tricks up his sleeve.
Verdict: Australia 9/20
Argentina are a great side but a very temperamental one. I can see them being unable to match the intensity they put out last weekend. I also suspect they make pick up a few cards here which will allow Australia to take the spoils.
Written by Darry Worthington.
