Rugby videos of tackles, tries, funny incidents and more: Ireland maintain winning ways against Argentina

Wednesday, December 01, 2010

Ireland maintain winning ways against Argentina

Ireland comfortably beat Argentina on Sunday with a 29-9 win at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Jonathan Sexton was on superb kicking form while Stephen Ferris and Gordon D’Arcy scored the tries.

For Argentina, Felipe Contepomi had an off day with the boot as his kicking at goal wasn’t up to standard, meaning that his side failed to stay in the match earning, Ireland a continued undefeated record at home against the South Americans.

Keith Earls nearly scored with a minute left in the game, but the TMO controversially disallowed what looked to be a certain try. D’Arcy made up for it on full time though, crossing after a very neatly executed chip and chase.

"We can hold our heads up. To finish with our highest winning margin against Argentina in the last game of the year is a great positive for us going through to the Six Nations," said wing Tommy Bowe.

"Whenever we've had dry ball, we've shown that we're able to throw it about. That's the type of rugby that we want to play. We have plenty of players who are willing to play good rugby. When we get the chance, we're able to cut teams open and we'll be looking to do more of that," he added.

The bad news for Leinster and Ireland is that Brian O’Driscoll looks to have broken his jaw, which could mean he’ll miss upcoming Heineken Cup games. Rob Kearney will also be out for some time, including the early stages of the Six Nations.

The result of this game ends a mixed bag of results for Ireland, with wins over Samoa and Argentina but losses to New Zealand and South Africa, despite playing promising rugby at times. They have shot back up the world rankings however, now sitting at 5th.

Time: 05:21

first

By Anonymous, at December 01, 2010 2:20 pm
Keith Earls scored, dunno why it wasn't given.

By Box, at December 01, 2010 2:23 pm
disappointing match from both teams

By Luxi, at December 01, 2010 2:23 pm
also, imo, no try for keith earls, because how i see things is
his left hand touches the ball mid air
then lets go of it
ball touches the ground on its own >>knock-on
split second after, earls touches down

but it doesnt really make a difference, as Gordon D'arcy scores a good try seconds later
plus i prefer D'arcy to earls

By Luxi, at December 01, 2010 2:26 pm
word missing from first post: idiot

i am with Luxi. seemed that neither could find their stride

By Stubby, at December 01, 2010 2:41 pm
Well, Ireland seem to be ignoring a countless amount of players, we have the "untouchable" players on our team and for some reason more and more of them are falling into that "untouchable" status despite errors, playing terrible, and letting in tries *cough Kearney... If Ireland are to succeed (I don't mean win) they are going to have to have a throw away 6N bring with at least 3 of the young guys into the team each match, to try build a squad for the RWC. Leave Sexton or O'Gara out of the team let Ian Humphries into the match day 22, let Earls start, put Fionn Carr on the wing and O'Brien in at 7. We have depth and talent in this country but we seem to ignore it. Ireland once again played well for 60minutes but their defence played for 80 glad with the improvement but against a struggling Argentinean team that never looked like scoring a try, we were always going to win and it was easy to look good.

By The Other Conor, at December 01, 2010 3:23 pm
Humphries is 28 why would you take sexton out and put him in?

By Anonymous, at December 01, 2010 3:33 pm
The other conor, I agree to a point but sexton needs as much game time as he can for Ireland before the world cup and it is too late to buid Ian humphries in time for nz, if it wagon in 2013 maybe but it's less than a year to go.

By Leothelion, at December 01, 2010 3:35 pm
*was

By Leothelion, at December 01, 2010 3:36 pm
bit of a dull affair from the looks of it

By Anonymous, at December 01, 2010 3:47 pm
Ireland were poor again. I think we've definitely gone backwards since the grand slam. Argentina didn't even look like they were trying, and they still gave us a lot of trouble in the forwards (although their backs aren't in the same class at all).

Re. the Earls 'try' - I can't see how that wasn't given. It had no relevance to the result, and I'm really not wearing green coloured glasses here. The fingers of his left hand never leave the ball from when he first touches it to when it's grounded. Bizarre decision - what's the point of a video ref if he can't get a decision right? I'd love to hear his explanation - he must have had some reason not to give it.

By Mike, at December 01, 2010 3:55 pm
Luxi - sorry, just saw your point there - as I said above, the fingers of his left hand never lose contact with the ball!

By Mike, at December 01, 2010 3:56 pm
bit of a dull affair from the looks of it
As an Ireland fan I had to watch it all. It was very dull indeed.

By Gavin, at December 01, 2010 3:57 pm
I got to agree with The Other Conor, there are too many players on the team that can't be replaced no matter what form there in, BOD being the main example, he's an amazing player but when was the last time he sat out a test match without being forced out due to injury? He's a world class player but it seems that were relying on him way too much. Players like Earls and Carr should have been starting the November series to get them experience playing against the best in the world, because after all, I'm sure Kidney aims win the world cup next year, weather or not those expectations are completely unrealistic is yet to be seen, but going on the last year any team in the top 10 seems to be dangerous against Ireland. But if Ireland do manage to get past the groups there going to be facing some tough opposition and given alot of the starters age and amount of international caps they have under their belts they are likely to pick up a few injuries along the way, and thats where the younger guys should be able to stand there own come test time, Ireland do have the strength and dept to be a world class side, the management team just don't seem to be utilizing these resources. As for the 6N I honestly can't see Kidney changing his attitude, hopefully he will give some other guys a run though, it could provide a massive boost come WC time

By Conor, at December 01, 2010 3:59 pm
Everyone talking about blooding new players, old fellas positions being 'untouchable', lets' look at what Kidney has done since he took over. Whether you like it or not, successful teams at world cups are built using 4 year strategies. The players Kidney brought in, starting in the most 'problematic' positions, Healy, Buckley, Cronin, Court, Toner, O'Brien, Sexton, Earls, Fitzgerald. Everyone left on the Irish team had at least 1 good world cup in them, and that's including the cover.

And yes, O'Driscoll is irreplaceable, even when we put Earls in there and he makes the position his own. How do you replace 'arguably' the greatest center ever? Paddy Wallace has had just as much opportunity as Darcy to take the 12 jersey. Bowe is untouchable, as was Kearney, until he started to slide, but with Murphy and Fitzgerald more than capable to slot in there, there's not too much to worry about. Trimble always gives everything and with Earls, we have a very solid # 22. O'Leary should take 9 back, and we have Boss, Stringer and Reddan to fight for #20. With Duncan Williams coming up for the next 4 year stint.

The back row picks itself, with Wallace the most likely to loose out next year to O'Brien. Wallace will make an perfect impact sub, and backrow cover. Leamy there to cover him. You can't move O'Connell/O'Callaghan, but Toner doesn't look out of place and is awesome in the line out. That leaves front row, Flannery, Cronin, Best and Varley all capable, Cronin's my personal favourite. And we have some heavyweight props coming through in Hagan, Ross and now we have Wilkenson from South Africa. With Healy, Buckley and Court our 1st 3, not to mention Horan.

So in conclusion, Kidney knows better than all of us, look at his record. Ya we've had a dip, but there's no sense breaking the team up, and messing with their heads, they just have to work harder, we've less than a year. Fionn Carr will get his chance, and as for Ian Humphries, Ian Keatley is the better option imho.

By Anonymous, at December 01, 2010 5:32 pm
He had his hand on the ball at first, but by the time the ball touched the ground only his fingers were on the ball. They would have exerted downward pressure, even if it was only a small amount.

I'm not sure about the rules here. He didn't have control (but often players don't in these situations, yet tries are awarded) but he did exert downward pressure.

By Anonymous, at December 01, 2010 5:41 pm
He had his hand on the ball at first, but by the time the ball touched the ground only his fingers were on the ball. They would have exerted downward pressure, even if it was only a small amount. His hand never actually left the ball.

I'm not sure about the rules here. He didn't have control (but often players don't in these situations, yet tries are awarded) but he did exert downward pressure.

By Anonymous, at December 01, 2010 5:43 pm
Luxi, you might prefer Darcy to Earls but that doesn't mean he's better. Before this test each had score 6 tries for Ire, since Darcy is in his 30s and has just passed the 50 cap mark, do the sums. Earls is the best natural finisher in the squad (since Carr won't get his game and Bowe doesn't get decent possession unless its a cross field kick) and needs to be selected.

Also, on another note;

The truth is while Fitzgearld is a classy player and decent defender he has done absolutely nothing in a green jersey to have been picked ahead of Earls. It wasn't a good series for the backs all round but hopefully they'll get their act together for Italy in Feb. I can see Conway (injury permitting coming into the equation, like Earls a natural try scorer) in Fitzgearld's absence.

By The other idiot, at December 01, 2010 5:46 pm
agree with the other idioti'm not a big fan of earls to be honest,but he has just what Ireland need:speed.for all bowe's creativity,ireland really need a finisher who'll be their in support to finish any sniff of a chance off.fitzgerald should go to full-back for the minute,and then replace BOD at 13 after the world cup.Earls just doesn't have the ball skills or defensive attributes to play 13,and he's better on the wing anyway.fitzgerald has all the skills needed

By Leeners93, at December 01, 2010 6:00 pm
For Darcy's try, the Irish forwards were clearly offside when they won the ball back and should've been a penalty against, though with Earls' disallowed try, I'll take it. The ruck had formed, the ball spills out, the forwards were getting up from the previous ruck or scrum, flop over the ball and Darcy goes in.

By Anonymous, at December 01, 2010 6:06 pm
theres a cool moment when darcy scored his try and felipe contepomi congratulates him. i just think thats cool. love that whole aspect of rugby compared to other sports.

By irelandfan101, at December 01, 2010 6:26 pm
'Irelandfan' - yeah, it was nice to see the players chatting and applauding each other off the pitch. There was some bad blood between the teams a few years ago but hopefully that's in the past. I lived in Buenos Aires for a while a couple of years ago and loved it there.

By Mike, at December 01, 2010 6:29 pm
I don't know irefan101 and Mike, watch Agulla and Darcy after the try is scored, my impression was that Contepomi was about to run in to support his team mate who just had a ball thrown at him, but as he arrived he seemed to check himself and change his mind and just pat Darcy

By Huh!! the 3rd, at December 01, 2010 6:35 pm
''pat'', ha.

You know what I mean

By Huh!! the 3rd, at December 01, 2010 6:37 pm
the only thing im happy about this november is that tomas o'leary is injured. I personaly rather Stringer O'leary is too slow and makes to many mistakes id rather leave him out till he actualy learns how to play he game.

By ciaran, at December 01, 2010 7:17 pm
Cantempomi seemed fine to me. Looked like he ran to the ref first then went to pat D'Arcy.

I'm not the biggest D'Arcy fan, but you gotta love how he didn't back against Scelzo when they squared up. I've seen him to it for Leinster before. Guys got balls.

By Anonymous, at December 01, 2010 7:24 pm
Southafrican referee! What more there is to say?

By Anonymous, at December 01, 2010 7:40 pm
Yeah, I think the referee was very harsh towards Argentina.

By Mike, at December 01, 2010 7:54 pm
"Earls just doesn't have the ball skills or defensive attributes to play 13"

Leenres93 what are you talking about Earls is 2nd must skillful player on the team after BOD and there is noting wrong with his defensive he is a very strong tackler and lighting fast . I've been to almost every Ireland and Munster home match in the last 2 years and when Earls gets the ball people stand up to watch what will happen . When Earls did come off the bench he made a impact straight away.all ways looking for work and breaking the gain line with more ease than any other irish player. Have a look at the link below to see how little BALL SKILLS he has

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mdkuVKAm15c.

By westman, at December 01, 2010 8:00 pm
Earls seemed fine defensively most times I've seen him but he didn't read the play very well in the SA match and so he defended quite poorly during his short time on the field in that match. Ireland do need some sheer pace right now though. I think moving Fitzgerald to 15 and sticking Earls at 11 is a good idea.

Also, Ireland have some speedsters like McFadden, Conway and Zebo on the way and a whole bunch of promising players as well.

Also, I think that's a try. His hand stayed on the ball the whole time.

By KG, at December 01, 2010 9:01 pm
what do ya mean "maintain winning ways"? they lost most of their games this year!

By Mikee, at December 01, 2010 11:06 pm
I would normally hold back any criticism of Kidney, and just assume that he knows better, but I do think he missed an oppurtunity to blood some younger players. People like Toner, O'Brien, Mcfadden and Carr should have been given more game time.

However, I'm not all doom and gloom and think if work towards this matchday 22 we could cause some upsets at the WC.

15. Fitzy (unless Kearney pulls his finer out), 14. Bowe, 13. BOD, 12. D'arcy (one of our best in Autumn), 11. Earls/Trimble (too close to call for me, 10. Sexton, 9. O'Leary, 8. Heaslip( hope he stays injury free) 7. O'Brienk, 6. Ferris, 5.DC 4.POC 3. Buckley, 2.Cronin 1. Healy

Ross, Flannery, Toner, Wallace, Boss, O'G, Earls/Trimble

That team can trouble any team on their day!

By Irish fan, at December 01, 2010 11:26 pm
west man yes earls has great skill but i don't think he is a 13 that was a winger try if ever u see one!!! his passing isn't crisp enough for the central position!! but he is a great talent and think he'll get better and better ever year but he is a bit raw at the mo in defense and reading the game but he will be great in a year or two world cup might be to soon for him unfortunately for him and Ireland!!!

By Anonymous, at December 01, 2010 11:29 pm
west man yes earls has great skill but i don't think he is a 13 that was a winger try if ever u see one!!! his passing isn't crisp enough for the central position!! but he is a great talent and think he'll get better and better ever year but he is a bit raw at the mo in defense and reading the game but he will be great in a year or two world cup might be to soon for him unfortunately for him and Ireland!!!

By Anonymous, at December 01, 2010 11:29 pm
Sexton is considered a shoe-in, but I don't see why. He tries to be O'Gara but doesn't have nearly enough vision for it - what I mean is that every time Sexton kicks from hand in open play, he just gives it right to the opposition.

Earls' try/no-try was an example of how you do a chip kick.

If you want younger blood in at 10, why not try Keatley, Madigan, or O'Connor. Clearly, Sexton can get it between the posts, but goal kicking alone a flyhalf does not make.

"Southafrican referee! What more there is to say?"

I don't know what you're getting at. By and large, SA refs tend to be the best around. Felt bad for the Argentines though, but I think Lawrence was spot on for most of his calls - Argentina just couldn't catch a break and were frustrated because of it. Sure, he was "harsh", but another way of saying that was he was "right".

I think Carr must've banged Kidney's daughter or something; I just can't reason why else he seems to have it out for the guy. Give him a shot, Declan! Same goes for Earls. Amazing player, and BOD doesn't have to be in every single match, especially when the test series is already a disaster. Why not salvage it and experiment a bit?

I'm sure Irish fans wouldn't react like French ones when Lievremont tries switching their squad up, if that's what he's worried about.

By sticks, at December 02, 2010 12:03 am
Also, it must be said that Geordan Murphy's still got it!

By sticks, at December 02, 2010 12:05 am
The Anon saying D'Arcy's try should've been a penalty for Argentina - there was no ruck. By the time the Argentine support got there, Albacete had placed the ball beyond the last feet, out of what would have been the ruck. So, the ruck never actually formed.

Either way, it doesn't really matter. Earls or D'Arcy had a try somewhere in there...

Argentina looked out of ideas all match...hopefully them joining the 3N in a few years will really help their game.

By marshall faulk, at December 02, 2010 12:16 am
I think ARG would have been better off joining the 6 Nations. Scotland and Italy are at a lower level to England, Wales, Ireland and France. Argentina would fill the gap nicely. They can fit into either group depending on the day. I don't know the diplomacy or any of the complications behind it though.

If they play in the 3 Nations, they will get destroyed by all other teams.

By KG, at December 02, 2010 12:40 am
sweet pads sexton.

By USA7, at December 02, 2010 3:39 am
Yeh but KG if Scotland is low in the 6N but they beat SA (who are in the 3N) and arg should fit the gap above scotland then doesnt that qualify Arg for the 3N...

if Sco>SA and ARG>Sco then automatically Arg>SA

:)

By Resident Troll, at December 02, 2010 4:01 am
Scotland got lucky..

By MCB, at December 02, 2010 4:47 am
Not really, SA were outplayed, yes it wasnt the SA we were expecting to turn up, but the SA team with some good key players lost to scotland...

:)

By Resident Troll, at December 02, 2010 5:19 am
Alright, I've figured it out.

Jonathan Sexton looks like Eddie Munster mixed with a bit of Pee-Wee Herman.

By fry, at December 02, 2010 6:04 am
I think Sexton looks a bit like the aliens in Predator.

By Mike, at December 02, 2010 11:01 am
Sticks - Sextons completely different to ROG. ROG is probably the best tactical kicker the game has ever seen - the keith earls try/no try was a perfect example of it - And that came after ROG was on the park for no more than 7/8 mins.

Sexton is a backline mover - he can get a backline moving and interlink with them on a whole new level to ROG. Sexton is like Carter in that way. Having that type of fly half makes it much easier to find openings and space's in the other teams defence.

By BigBucks, at December 02, 2010 11:44 am
"Yeh but KG if Scotland is low in the 6N but they beat SA (who are in the 3N) and arg should fit the gap above scotland then doesnt that qualify Arg for the 3N...

if Sco>SA and ARG>Sco then automatically Arg>SA

:)"

Trollin.

By the way, Scotland have never won the 6 Nations. England, Wales, Ireland and France all have.

By KG, at December 02, 2010 3:14 pm
KG said...
Earls seemed fine defensively most times I've seen him but he didn't read the play very well in the SA match and so he defended quite poorly during his short time on the field in that match

By short time I hope you realise it was 5/6 minutes. He came on with absolutely no time left and when the game was effectively up (barring Kearney's try).

By Anonymous, at December 02, 2010 4:01 pm
KG whats your point? I'd have thought the nickname would give away 'trollin' the fact you had to point it out doesnt do your intellect much good....

....as for scotland...yeup they are/were down in the dumps...they have never won a 6 nations...which came in 10 years ago, however every other year there is a bit of an improvement, and have won a few 5 nations tournaments (6N predecessor).....

So like I said if Arg>Sco but Sco>SA then Arg>SA therefore they should be in the 3N... :)

However....to not be a troll for once, one up point about including Arg in the 3N is that there will be no 'rest' period for certain teams...every year there is 1 team which has a series of games, whilst another has a big rest to recouperate...however if arg are included then we'll see 2 games in 1 weekend, followed by 2 games the next weekend...etc..

By Resident Troll, at December 02, 2010 5:25 pm
"By short time I hope you realise it was 5/6 minutes. He came on with absolutely no time left and when the game was effectively up (barring Kearney's try)."

If you want a place on a National side you can't just let your defense go in the last few minutes, particularly when the game is that close.

"KG whats your point? I'd have thought the nickname would give away 'trollin' the fact you had to point it out doesnt do your intellect much good....  ....as for scotland...yeup they are/were down in the dumps...they have never won a 6 nations...which came in 10 years ago, however every other year there is a bit of an improvement, and have won a few 5 nations tournaments (6N predecessor).....  So like I said if Arg>Sco but Sco>SA then Arg>SA therefore they should be in the 3N... :)  However....to not be a troll for once, one up point about including Arg in the 3N is that there will be no 'rest' period for certain teams...every year there is 1 team which has a series of games, whilst another has a big rest to recouperate...however if arg are included then we'll see 2 games in 1 weekend, followed by 2 games the next weekend...etc.."

Sometimes you post seriously (this post for example), sometimes you don't. Sometimes you make stupid posts which could be good trolling or stupid posting. Whatever my intellect, pointing something out wouldn't actually make my intellect better or worse.

The argument isn't really about Scotland. I am just saying that Argentina would be better able to compete in the 6 Nations.

I do see your point. There would be disadvantages and advantages obviously. I just think that Argentina would be better able to develop by playing teams closer to their level. By playing in the 6 Nations they would have teams below, at and above (some further above than others, but this varies greatly from year to year) their current level instead of playing 3 oppositions way above their current level. And I don't like seeing whipping boys in tournaments. Italy are the current whipping boys in the 6N and Argentina would be the whipping boys in the 3N.

Ire>Arg but SA>Ire then SA>Arg... :)

By KG, at December 02, 2010 6:04 pm
people do you really see this Argentinian team ready to play against Nz, Australia and SA?

i am very concerned about the perfomance of the argentinian backs...they seem to be improving during the match..

By Anonymous, at December 02, 2010 6:43 pm
"Sexton is a backline mover - he can get a backline moving and interlink with them on a whole new level to ROG. Sexton is like Carter in that way. Having that type of fly half makes it much easier to find openings and space's in the other teams defence."

Well, then why the f**k isn't Ireland's backline moving? Inside the opponent's 22, Sexton seems useless. Most of the breaks in open play don't seem to come from him either. I think Heaslip has done more to set Ireland's backs running than Sexton has. I know it's probably not like that, and I'm speaking out of frustration, I just don't think Sexton should be the shoe-in that Kidney has made him into.

By sticks, at December 02, 2010 10:29 pm
OH NICE ONE KG, YOU MADE ME POST IN THE WRONG DAMN VIDEO!

.....sh*t!

By Resident Troll, at December 02, 2010 10:58 pm
Argentina in the 3 nations raises all kinds of problems to be honest.
The first one, and most obvious, is that they are going to get their arses kicked alot. We could see some really embarressing score lines for them, away from home. NZ at home, jesus, it could be 60-3 in some games.
Hopefully though, long term, it will lift their game and force them to play a better brand of rugby.
The second big one is player availability. It's been raised but no one has done anything about it.
All of their best players play in europe, moslty in France. The Euro domestic rugby season will overlap the 4-nations. If they are playing in the 4 nations, and for Eruo clubs, they won't get a pre-season adn will miss the first games of the season, every single year.
It's hard to see Euro clubs putting up with this.
Will this mean Argentinians refusing to play for their country, ie choosing their employer over their country? Will it mean they get dumped en masse from Euro clubs, and new Argentinian players won't be seen as good investments for Euro clubs? Is there really any space for a dozens of Argentinian players in Super rugby? Would they even be good enough for Super Rugby?
No one has answered these questions.

By Bill, at December 03, 2010 2:40 am
Interesting point bill....

its hard to say, i think the way you put it there is clear that Arg will not fit into the 3N (or 4N...)

however will they fit into the 6N?

Obviously as stated they generally play in Euro clubs, so chances are when other players are released for country duty for 6N so will the argies (if they join 6N).... so that ties up....however they would surely have to have some NH training ground...they cant very well head back to argentina, work a couple lineouts then head back up north to play...

I could also be talking out of my *** here, but did i read somewhere that some arg players are 'amateurs' or unpaid...?

I think its interesting to see where they could fit in, but could there be perhaps ANOTHER little tournament...?

By (u-p)rick, at December 03, 2010 2:49 am
It's already decided I'm afraid Uprick. Tri-nations it is.
Fact is SANZAR was willing to take Argentina and the 6-nations teams simply weren't.
It would have made immesurably more sense for Argentina to join the 6 nations.
Less travel overall (in the 4 nations players will be travelling across the entire circumfrance of the globe, across three continents and three oceans, at least once, probably more, just to play a few games of rugby).
The Argie players play in Europe, so there'd be no player availability issues.
The 6 nations suits the Argies style of rugby, and is of a lower standard, so the Argies would not be whipping boys. In fact they'd compete well and would probably end up somewhere in the middle of the table most years.
Economically there's more money in Europe, so there'd be more money for the Argies development.
The 4 natiosn might expand to include Japan at some point (don't scoff, it will be on the cards in the lead up to RWC 2019), which will mean even more ridiculous travel schedules (four continents, three oceans, more travel than any other regular sports tournament that I've ever known).

Even the Argies knew this and pushed for entry to the 6 nations as first preferance.
But at the end of the day SANZAR was willing to work them in, so that's what we're left with, we jsut have to make it work.

Don't know how though.

By Bill, at December 03, 2010 4:18 am
Is it really that different from the 3N as it is?

Cape Town is nearly 7,000 miles from Sydney. Buenos Aires is roughly the same. And going around the world the other way means Argentina is actually closer to SA than either Australia or NZ. Logistics-wise, I think it makes as much sense as the current 3N.

The main stumbling point is the fact that many Argies are in Europe already, so you have to get them all assembled and fly them down to the SH, but again, they're already flying out anyways...so it shouldn't be too big of a problem.

Besides, as part of Argentina joining the 4N, I thought SANZAR was looking to start incorporating Argentine players into S14 sides. That, and they're supposed to be helping develop a serious domestic league in Argentina, right?

I don't know. I just don't think the 4N should be written off before a game is yet to be played. Give it a season, at least. If it doesn't work out, then hopefully there contract can be cut short and Argentina can pursue other options...

By falafel waffle, at December 03, 2010 2:03 pm
Of course it's different. It adds thousands of kilometres of travel. It's not like going around Europe.
Australia alone is bigger than Europe.
It's literally the circumfrance of the globe.
But the travel isn't the main problem, it's the player availability.
The fact is very few Argentinian players would get a spot in a Super rugby team at the moment. There's just not many spots for them, and most of those spots are reserved for home grown players.
If the Argies stay in europe their clubs are gonna lose them every year for pre-season and about a quarter or more of the regular season.
Will the clubs be ok with that? Or will they just stop signing Argentinian players?
It's a real problem.
It's gonna work, because it has to, but these problems are there.

By Bill, at December 05, 2010 4:29 am