Comments on: The Rugby Championship Preview: Australia v Argentina

By: JLyall

JLyall — Sat, 14 Sep 2013 21:12:45 +0000

Another missed opportunity for Los Pumas. That first win is coming, though…

By: SY

SY — Sat, 14 Sep 2013 20:12:12 +0000

Expletive! So close, but so far.

By: Liam

Liam — Fri, 13 Sep 2013 17:32:07 +0000

I very much agree that that Pumas back is whats going to carry them to their first victory in this one. I think 6 points for the margin of victory for the Pumas.

By: JLyall

JLyall — Fri, 13 Sep 2013 17:28:46 +0000

Not suggesting there is shame in it, but the Australians and their public/media will be “less than forgiving” shall we say, if they don’t get a result.

Agree on Bosch, as I said in the piece, surprised to see him dropped, even for someone as accomplished as Tiesi.

By: SY

SY — Fri, 13 Sep 2013 16:53:23 +0000

I disagree, I don’t think there would be any shame to lose to Argentina at home. It’s going to happen eventually, why not this match. I thought Argentina’s first scalp was going to be against South Africa (other than the first match in this season’s championship, they have played extremely well against them), but they have a very legitimate chance of beating Australia.

Though, I’m a little disappointed that Bosch has missed out on selection. He brings a lot to the Pumas when he plays well.

By: JLyall

JLyall — Fri, 13 Sep 2013 15:49:23 +0000

Agree with that – Australia, though their scrum may be physically/technically “weak”, have become very good at managing that weakness, and finding ways around it. We saw that to an extent on the Lions tour.

As you say, there are fewer opportunities for them to do so under the new directive.

By: Matt

Matt — Fri, 13 Sep 2013 15:44:04 +0000

Australia had become masters of the non-scrum under the old rules. Head-to-head allignment, non-straight engages and conning a few penalties with a few dives to the floor, etc. Now they are being forced to scrum and not just negate and diffuse a stronger scrum the tight 5 are being shown up. I think another scrum lesson will be handed out and Argentina will claim a historic victory.

By: JLyall

JLyall — Fri, 13 Sep 2013 15:15:49 +0000

I fear for them at the scrum and the breakdown – two areas of huge importance, and two areas where they have seriously struggled thus far. They need to commit more players to the breakdown in particular to avoid Hooper being outnumbered and overwhelmed by a ferocious Argentine back row.

As I said above, for the Aussies, losing at home to the Pumas is not acceptable.

By: Bill Burgess

Bill Burgess — Fri, 13 Sep 2013 14:47:37 +0000

No matter what,
Australia will not lose this game! They will raise their game , channel one ball on their scrums , quick ball and backs will do the damage. Well I hope for my superbru picks they do!