2 sides who had made 6 Nations sides struggle in their first games met in Saturday's first offering. Scotland had almost suffered ignominy against the Europeans, while Argentina had made England graft for their opening win, and had Rodriguez worn the right kicking boots, England may well have cancelled their bungee jump and dwarf throwing spectating activities of this week in exchange for some hard work. The weather was glorious in Invercargill, in contrast to the midweek Scotland vs Georgia.
Rodriguez missed an early penalty from directly in front to choruses of 'Oh no not again' across Buenos Aires, but from the 22 drop out, a high kick was well caught by Camacho, recycled and Fernandez went over for the early try, converted by Rodriguez this time. The Argentinians were clearly up for this and took the battle to the Romanians up front. Leguizamon appeared in the back line to take a deflected Rodriguez pass and batter his way over. Rodriguez made the kick again to make it 14-0 within 10 minutes, a better start than their Scottish rivals had made.
Romania certainly look an improved side though and they earned a couple of penalties in Argentine territory, the second of which resulted in a kick at goal from Dimofte and the gap narrowing to 11 points. As for them, Argentina were certainly looking to play a far more expansive game than they had against England. They looked to have spotted the same defensive weakness against the Scots that I had, and after a quick tap penalty, Figallo the tight-head prop drove over from 20cm out to kill off the game, though Rodriguez couldn't make it 3 successful conversions and the score stayed 19-3.
Romania's scrum is certainly impressive, and the more illustrious Pumas front row was struggling as Scotland had done, but good as their front row looked in set play, their back line looked particularly fragile.
Argentina looked likely to score every time they swung the ball wide (are you watching England?) So it was no real surprise when Amorosino wrapped up the bonus point before half an hour had elapsed, sliding through some weak tackling to go under the posts and allow Rodriguez to make it 26-3. Ball in hand though, it was a different story. A break down the right, saw the Argentinians encroach, but with the advantage being played, the ball was witched, and despite a poor pass, winger Cazan gathered and forced his way over for Romania's first try.
Leguizamon particularly was impressing as he appeared in the backs more and more often, never more so than after a daring counter from Amorosino, where the flanker was haring up in support, and only an injudicious pass spoiled what would have been possibly the try of the tournament so far.
Half Time: Argentina 26 Romania 8
It was a toss-up at this early stage between Leguizamon and Amorosino for Man of the Match, and after another great darting Amorosino run, Romania conceded a penalty and Rodriguez stretched the lead to 21 points. Early in the second half saw the dance of the substitutes start. As usual, this saw the game become slightly disjointed, as fresher legs mixed with slightly more tired. Romania were killing the ball at the breakdown, and fringing round the outsides, which didn't exactly help matters, but Steve Walsh the referee was sensible and avoided using a yellow card until the infringements became so persistent that he had no choice and Lazar trundled off for 10 minutes break thanks largely to his team-mates, though he had been the guilty party on a few occasions.
The Romanian scrum had stopped moving forward and the Pumas had regained the upper hand in one of their traditional strongholds, and only a strong goal-line defence prevented Argentina adding a 5th try.
Good though the first half had been, the second half had been a rather turgid affair and this was reflected by the arrival on the hour of the Mexican wave. Call me a killjoy, but I'm not one to get involved in these. In my mind they're nothing more than distractions for people who can't concentrate on the basics of the game and who get bored if there isn't a try every seven minutes.
While the crowd were otherwise engaged, Lobbe went close for Argentina but was bundled into touch, by, seemingly, half of Bucharest. The spark though was generally missing from the Pumas in this second half, until Imhoff scythed through between the posts, making the most of props being in the midfield line. Rodriguez made it 5 kicks from 8 as the score moved to 36-8.
Another round of substitutions followed, further breaking the rhythm with 15 minutes to go. All of a sudden though, there was some ebb and flow. Argentina looked certain to score, but Dimofte intercepted, and though he looked like he was running through quicksand, he got the ball wide to Cazan, but a lost ball was recycled by the Pumas, and Imhoff fed Fessia who went over from distance for Argentina's 6th try . Rodriguez, via the left-hand post, added 2 more to make it 43-8.
Only a deliberate knock-on stopped Argentina widening the margin further, but not intent on merely finishing the game by kicking to touch, Argentina kept going in search of the 50 point mark. Romania defended as if their lives depended on it though and managed to survive that indignity.
Full Time: Argentina 43 Romania 8
Argentina surprised many with their open flowing rugby of the first half. Those who expected a fierce forward battle with little from the backs were wrong. Amorosino and Leguizamon excelled for 50 minutes, before the game took on a more expected shape. Lobbe came to prominence after Leguizamon left the field, and Ayuja woke up in the last 10. Fernandez also did his best to ease the pain caused by the loss of Contepomi.
Romania were unable to perform as they had done against Scotland. It became clear as the game went on just how poor Scotland had been last weekend, as Argentina snuffed out Romania as an attacking force with ease and managed to deal with the imposing romanian scrum far more easily than the Scots had.
Romania have the daunting task of England next on Saturday, while Argentina play Scotland a week tomorrow in a game that looks like it could be critical for qualification. While Scotland have one more chance against England afterwards, it will be a case of do or die for Argentina.
Back later with my take on the repeat of the 2007 Quarter Final between South Africa and Fiji, as well as the interesting third game of the day between Australia and ireland. For now though, coffee!
No comments:
Post a Comment