Argentina will be looking to break new ground in the rugby world when they face Australia in their Rugby World Cup semifinal at Twickenham Stadium on Sunday.
The Latin Americans have been fantastic in this year’s tournament, with their only hiccup coming in a spirited 16 / 26 defeat to defending champions New Zealand in their opening match. They are now just 1 win away from reaching their 1st-ever Rugby World Cup Final.
Their 43 / 20 win over Ireland in last weekend’s quarterfinals was a clear message to the other remaining teams in the competition that they are not in Britain to make up the numbers.
However, they are facing a stern test against a street smart Wallabies’ outfit who are many pundit’s favourites to win the coveted title this year, after the mighty All Blacks won it the last time around in 2011. Flyhalf Nicolas Sanchez has been one of the stars of Argentina’s campaign so far scoring 74 points.
Despite many singing his praises, Sanchez’s attention remained firmly on preparing for the semifinal this week.
“I try not to think about it,” said Sanchez
“I focus only on the team and the things we have to do to get as far as possible. We are recovering from what was a tough match against Ireland and looking ahead to the semifinal against Australia.
“Australia are having a great time and they are playing with a very good shape. We have much respect for them as well as they are the current champions of The Rugby Championship.
“They come unbeaten into this World Cup semi, so we have to have a great game if we want to beat them and reach the Final.
“They are a team that can attack well and when they break the 1st tackle they become very difficult to stop.
Under Michael Cheika’s tutelage, Australia are not only a team that can cut defences to pieces out wide, but can also dominate upfront with the big boys.
However, star back Matt Giteau said they won’t be taking their opponents lightly on Sunday.
“You can’t underestimate them, you do so at your peril and we won’t,” said Giteau.
“Every World Cup, they’re very good,” Giteau added. “Argentina are playing with a lot of confidence. They are throwing the ball around, their back 3 are explosive and overall when this side is playing with confidence they are very dangerous.”
The forward battle will probably be the most interesting aspect of this game with an Argentinean legend, Mario Ledesma, being Australia’s scrum coach.
It may be an old saying but whoever dominates the set pieces, especially the scrum, will probably win this game as both teams used this area of the game to get major psychological advantages over tough opposition in this year’s tournament.
These 2 teams have met 7 times in the Southern Hemisphere’s Rugby Championship, with Australia winning 6 of those matches. Argentina’s sole win came in Mendoza in 2014 and it was a very important win for the South Americans, as it gave them a huge amount of confidence in their preparations for this Rugby World Cup.
Some of that confidence also resulted in a remarkable 37 / 25 win over South Africa in Durban this year.
Australia and Argentina have met twice before in Rugby World Cup matches, with Australia winning on both occasions. In 1991 in a Pool C game at Llanelli, Australia won 32 / 19 and 12 years later in a Pool A game in Sydney they won 24 / 8.
Players to watch:
Argentina:
Flyhalf Nicolas Sanchez has been the unsung hero in many of his team’s matches this year and his tactical awareness around the park is up there with the very best. Wing Juan Imhoff is a try-scoring machine and cannot be given any space, His speed off the mark is also incredible. Pablo Matera can cause the Wallabies some trouble at the breakdown and his commitment on defence is brilliant. Hooker and captain Agustin Creevy is the heart and soul of this passionate and fiery Argentinian side. He is the core of a powerful front row and he is a natural-born leader as well.
Australia:
Fullback Israel Folau will be one of the most dangerous players on the field with ball in hand. He can slice through some of the best defences and is also solid under the high ball. Matt Giteau’s experience in the midfield gives the Wallabies’ backline surety and his tactical genius also takes some of the pressure off flyhalf Bernard Foley. David Pocock has been a revelation at No 8 and gives Australia a double threat at the breakdowns in conjunction with Michael Hooper. Captain and hooker Stephen Moore has been everywhere on the park for his country in this Rugby World Cup and will once again be putting his body on the line in the physical exchanges.
Head to head:
The 2 flyhalves, Nicolas Sanchez and Bernard Foley, will be looking to get the tactical advantage over each other – their goal kicking will also take on an added significance in a big match like this. Pablo Matera and Michael Hooper are masters in their craft at the breakdowns and both will be looking to poach possession for their respective teams. These next 2 players are both captains of their respective teams and they both play in the same position – Stephen Moore and Agustin Creevy. They will see plenty of each other in the scrums and their leadership skills on the field will be put under the spotlight in the pressure situations.
Recent results:
- 2015: Australia won 34 / 9, Mendoza
- 2014: Argentina won 21 / 17, Mendoza
- 2014: Australia won 32 / 25, Gold Coast
- 2013: Australia won 54 / 17, Rosario
- 2013: Australia won 14 / 13, Perth
- 2012: Australia won 25 / 19, Rosario
- 2012: Australia won 23 / 19, Gold Coast
- 2003: Australia won 24 / 8, Sydney
- 2002: Australia won 17 / 6, Buenos Aires
- 2000: Australia won 32 / 25, Canberra
Previous Rugby World Cup results:
- 2003: Australia won 24 / 8, Sydney (Pool match)
- 1991: Australia won 32 / 19, Llanelli (Pool match)
Teams:
Argentina: 15 Joaquin Tuculet, 14 Santiago Cordero, 13 Marcelo Bosch, 12 Juan Martin Hernández, 11 Juan Imhoff, 10 Nicolas Sanchez, 9 Martin Landajo, 8 Leonardo Senatore, 7 Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe, 6 Pablo Matera, 5 Tomas Lavanini, 4 Guido Petti, 3 Ramiro Herrera, 2 Agustin Creevy (Captain), 1 Marcos Ayerza
Replacements: 16 Julian Montoya, 17 Lucas Noguera, 18 Juan Figallo, 19 Matias Alemanno, 20 Facundo Isa, 21 Tomas Cubelli, 22 Jeronimo De La Fuente, 23 Lucas Gonzalez Amorosino.
Australia: 15 Israel Folau, 14 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 13 Tevita Kuridrani, 12 Matt Giteau, 11 Drew Mitchell, 10 Bernard Foley, 9 Will Genia, 8 David Pocock, 7 Michael Hooper, 6 Scott Fardy, 5 Rob Simmons, 4 Kane Douglas, 3 Sekope Kepu, 2 Stephen Moore (Captain), 1 James Slipper
Replacements: 16 Tatafu Polota-Nau, 17 Toby Smith, 18 Greg Holmes, 19 Dean Mumm, 20 Ben McCalman, 21 Nick Phipps, 22 Matt Toomua, 23 Kurtley Beale.
Date: Sunday 25 October
Venue: Twickenham Stadium, London
Kick-Off: 18:00 SA Time (17:00 UK Time, 16:00 GMT, 13:00 Arg Time, Monday 03:00 AEDT)
Expected weather: Cloudy with some sunshine at times. A high of 13°C with a slight breeze.
Referee: Wayne Barnes (England)
Assistant Referees: Jaco Peyper (South Africa), George Clancy (Ireland)
TMO: Ben Skeen (New Zealand)
rugby365