A Peek into Argentina's Rollercoaster Journey in the Rugby Championship
Rugby Tournament Recap: First and Second Rounds - Analysis
Let's dive into the rollercoaster ride of Argentina's Rugby team, fittingly nicknamed the Pumas, as they navigate through the 2021 Rugby Championship.
The Pumas' Achilles Heel: Inconsistency
The Pumas have demonstrated they can outshine the best in the game, but their inability to maintain consistency has kept them from achieving their potential. They've shown this trend in seasons past, notably in World Cup semifinals and Rugby Championships, leaving them close but not quite there.
In this year's competition, a thrilling win against the All Blacks was followed by a disappointing loss to the same opposition. These inconsistencies are a recurring obstacle that new coach Felipe Comtepomi is striving to eliminate, particularly with regards to set-piece weaknesses.
The Apotheosis of Pablo Matera
Throughout the first two rounds, few players have stood out more than Pablo Matera. Despite the loss at Eden Park, Matera proved a thorn in the side of the All Blacks. His stellar performances underscore his importance to the team and may serve as a catalyst for their future success.
Australia: A Fragile Rebuilding Process
Eddie Jones' impact on the Wallabies' progress is evident in the latest Rugby Championship matches. Under the previous coach, Dave Rennie, the Wallabies were gradually finding their form. However, recent performances against the Springboks, particularly at home, indicate that they still have a long way to go before they reclaim their place amongst the upper echelons of Test match rugby.
New Zealand: Still a Force to Reckon With
Despite the loss to Argentina, the All Blacks remain one of the top Test sides in the world. Admittedly, they are no longer at the peak of their glory, but they continue to pose a strong challenge to opponents. The team, under the leadership of Scott Robertson, is working to find the optimal combinations in the backs and centers while cultivating a strong scrum. The upcoming tour to South Africa will provide valuable insights into the All Blacks' progress.
South Africa: Depth and Dominance
The Springboks have demonstrated an unrivaled depth in this year's Rugby Championship, cruising to comfortable victories against Australia in both encounters. Top-tier teams like Ireland, France, and New Zealand can match the Springboks on their best day, but they lack the same quality in depth. This superior depth places the Springboks in a strong position to win the 2024 Rugby Championship.
Standout Performances
- South Africa: While several players have made valuable contributions, it's challenging to single out a standout performer due to the team's impressive collective effort.
- Australia: In the face of a disastrous campaign, Harry Wilson has emerged as a beacon of hope, shining a light amidst the darkness.
- New Zealand: Beauden Barrett has proven himself a valuable asset to the All Blacks during the first two rounds of the competition.
- South Africa: Pieter-Steph du Toit continues to shine, delivering standout performances regardless of his position in the back row or secondrow.
The Pumas' inconsistent performances, as shown by their win against the All Blacks followed by a loss to the same team, continue to hinder their potential success in sports like rugby.
Despite the team's struggles, Pablo Matera's stellar performances in the first two rounds of the Rugby Championship have highlighted his importance to Argentina's future success in sports.
