Daniel Hourcade has worked wonders for Los Pumas so far, but the obvious progress seen throughout The Rugby Championship will need to continue if Argentina is to lay a marker in Europe.
After all, the Rugby World Cup will be played on the same soil next year, with the South Americans alongside the All Blacks in the same group.
The last time Los Pumas played the quadrennial tournament in the old continent, they defeated hosts France twice to finish third overall, an achievement that many believe was the genesis for their eventual inclusion into the South’s premier international competition.
Argentina opens their end of year campaign against Scotland, a massive match for both nations as a potential two place jump in the world rankings awaits, with Italy and France rounding out Los Pumas tour.
BIG GAME
Vern Cotter’s Scotland will be a big test as the Thistles are undergoing a period of evolution not to dissimilar to Argentina, while revenge might be on the menu with the Scots winning 21-19 in Cordoba in their last meeting.
However a French team that is struggling to maintain their position as one of Europe’s elite is a massive danger game, with coach Philippe Saint-André statistically the least successful Les Bleus coach in the professional era with just 11 wins from 29 Tests (38%).
This is a compelling rivalry.
France has won 34 of 47 Tests (72.3%), but a number more relevant is eight – the number of Argentina victories in 13 internationals since the turn of the century, a winning percentage of 61.5%.
Knocking off the Tri Colours in their own backyard will be a fine way off to a solid 2014.
EXPERIENCE TO BE RESTED?
Matías Moroni, Santiago Cordero, Juan Cruz Guillemain, Santiago Iglesias Valdez and Guido Petti are the five faces who didn’t feature in Argentina’s squad for The Rugby Championship – continuing the successful approach by Hourcade of growing depth via local clubs.
Agustin Creevy, Juan Fernandez Lobbe, Juan Manuel Leguizamon, Nicolas Sanchez, Juan Martin Hernandez and Martin Landajo have emerged as crucial figures.
Will they be tasked with less minutes, likely due to the head coach’s insistence on using the entire squad, or will they and other senior players turn out in a bid to sweep through Europe undefeated?
KEY AREA
Argentina have clearly embellished their game with significant enhancements in their transition play.
Some elements reek of Sir Graham Henry’s tactical blueprint – such as the dropping back of the three quarters looking for counter attacks off opposition kicks – while Hourcade’s persistent ball in hand offence and willingness to use his forwards is beginning to yield further rewards.
Scotland are something of an unknown element, recognised for a rigid inability to constantly score tries, but Cotter – who broke Clermont Auvergne’s record title drought in 2009/10 Top 14 (their first French championship in 11 final’s appearances) – will fine tune the attack for Argentina’s first opponent.
BIG QUESTION
Victory or nothing is something that will apply to Hourcade’s efforts here. He has relied on his Pampas connections and has established some remarkable depth, while key areas such as the scrum if anything look stronger.
However a couple of losses would be a big blow for Argentina although they will back themselves to sweep through their three Tests.
As impressive as they are beginning to look, winning constantly away from the Americas will be a significant next step in the team’s development coming into 2015.
NEW FACE?
Rodrigo Báez isn’t exactly a new face at 25, but the 103kg blindside, a member of the Under 19s, Under 20s, Jaguars and Pampas, was influential when Los Pumas defeated Australia.
Argentina’s injury toll in the back row should have crippled the side, but the likes of Matías Alemanno, like Rodrigo another product of the development system, will add to the tourist’s second row arsenal.
Especially if he adds to his 11 Tests despite being just 22-years-old.