WC07 Defining Moments - Leguizamon smashes Chabal

I've chosen this as a defining moment not because it changed the outcome of the tournament as such. What it did show however is the Argentinian attitude towards the French, and perhaps all opponents they came up against.

By not giving an inch and fronting up to the big men, Argentina showed that there is perhaps no place for intimidation in rugby anymore. This attitude combined with some exceptionally talented players got them to their prestigious third place in the tournament.

The tackle itself is questionable, and Leguizamon did get carded for it. It's up for debate though as some people will say he used his arms and others will say it was a definate shoulder. Sebastien Chabal also looked to perform somewhat of a spectacularly exagerated dive after contact.

There's no doubt it was a massive hit either way, and for sticking the iconic hard man of French rugby on his backside, this will be a 2007 World Cup moment thats lasts in the memory for years to come.

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A Tribute to third place Los Pumas

Argentina ended their World Cup last night in the same way that they started it - by beating hosts France in Paris.

The Third Place Playoff game is never an easy one for players to motivate themselves for. Both teams had just been knocked out in the Semis a week ago, and to get themselves up for this one is a big ask.

Last night though both teams came out firing. The game was as intense as any World Cup encounter should be, and we saw some running rugby from both teams, which at times has been scarce in this tournament.

Argentina were just too strong though once again, and made their World Cup tally for this year 2-0 against the French. The win in Paris helped them to claim the Bronze Medal and more importantly, the tremedous achievement of coming third in the World Cup.

Throughout the tournament Argentina have been a revelation. They started well and kept that up for all their matches, the only hiccup being the Semi Final game against the finalists South Africa.

Argentina have once again made their mark on world rugby. They've done all they can. It's now up to the IRB to work out some way for them to be included in a prestigious international tournament, which will no doubt grow the game and contribute to bringing through the next generation of Argentinian greats.

Remember this World Cup for the Argentinian spirit. Remember this group of players. They have made history for their country and perhaps, have changed the internationl rugby pecking order forever. Time will tell, but for now, congratulations Los Pumas. You're an inspiration to us all and should be very, very proud of what you've achieved.


Beautiful Day - U2

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South Africa beat Argentina

In a game that was touted to possibly throw up another upset, the Springboks performed well to brush aside Argentina and reach only their second World Cup Final since 1995, the year they won it.

Scoring four tries in total, the South African side absorbed the tremendous pressure of the Argentinian scrum to take control of the game and lead 24-6 at half time.

The Argentinian backs weren't threatening enough, with star player Juan Martin Hernandez having a below par game. One of his dropped balls actually led to a flowing string of Springbok passing that saw Danie Roussouw, eventual man of the match, dive over for the try.

Bryan Habana scored a brace, with his first being an absolute gem. Getting the ball from some quick passing from the Boks, Habana had his opposite number as well as the cover defence to get passed. He chipped it in an instant and flew past them, colliding with one and being held back by another, his determination got him through the traffic and he collected the ball from the perfect bounce to score one of the better individual efforts of the tournament. He equalled the great Jonah Lomu's World Cup try scoring record of eight, and now stands a chance to better that in Saturday's final.

Habana scored again from a well timed intercept and flew away, similar to Fourie Du Preez who also scored from an intercept.

Argentina scored one try, which was awarded extremely quickly by the ageing TMO 'Spreaders' despite the fact that neither of the two angles he looked at were conclusive.

The underdogs just weren't good enough on the day, despite the huge strides they've made in world rugby. They've gained a huge amount of respect though and on a few occasions looked dangerous, more than proving that they deserve to be there.

The Sprinboks weren't as clinical and error free as they would have hoped, but by putting pressure on the opposition and finishing off the chances they got, they did the job required on the day. They still have a lot more in the tank, and if they come out firing and play to their strengths against England, we may well see them being crowned as champions of the world for the second time.

Final Score: 37-13 to South Africa

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Argentina beat Ireland - WC 99

On a historic day in Lens back in 1999, Argentina pulled off one of the biggest World Cup upsets to date, knocking Ireland out of the tournament through typical Argentinian guts and determination, forcing Ireland out of the World Cup.

Argentina's incredible defence under tremendous pressure in the closing minutes of the game is what we feature here.

And as we now sit a day away from possibly Argentina's greatest and most important match in their rugby history, the 2007 World Cup Semi Final against the Springboks, we think about the possibilities of Argentina going on to claim what they've been working so hard for, and I dont just mean the respect and recognition of the IRB.

In this years tournament they've gone unbeaten, notching up a record of four out of four matches in the group stages. They've claimed the scalps of France, Ireland, Namibia, Georgia and then Scotland in the Quarters. Argentina are no longer a team of underdogs. These guys need to taken seriously and given the opportunity to grow by being brought into an international competition such as the Six Nations or the southern hemisphere's Tri Nations.

With their success on the field we'll hopefully now see some action being taken by the IRB in the not too distant future.

South African head coach Jake White sees the debate as yet another factor to drive Argentina to success in their semi-final against his team on Sunday.

"They are not just playing for the rugby world cup, they are playing for rugby in Argentina. Everyone knows they are looking for opportunities to play internationally and keep their players on top," he said.

Back in 1999 it was a shock result that surprised many. Nowadays, the Argentinians have a real belief in themselves and expect to win the big games. They still rely a lot on passion and pride, but they do now have seasoned individuals that are of top quality in terms of the world game.

Their forward pack are arguably the toughest in the game, and in their backs, particularly their halfback combination, they have players blessed with all the natural talent they could ask for.

Los Pumas now have the opportunity for a spot in the world cup final, with the only thing standing in their way being the mighty South Africans. Expect an extremely grueling physical battle up front, matched hopefully by some fantastic skills and running from the talented Argentinian and Springbok backs.

Final Score: 28-24 to Argentina

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True Glory - A Tribute to the Minnows

With the group stages of the World Cup over and the Quarter Finals of the tournament starting this weekend, we take a look back at some of the stars of the first round.

They came to the World Cup as nobodies. Not many of them play top flight rugby and the majority are amateurs. One thing is certain though, they left the greatest tournament in the world with their heads held high.

These doctors, plumbers, shop owners and school teachers took to the field against men who literally get paid to play rugby, full time. Men who spend most days of the week in the gym and are on intensive fitness and skills training programs. And yet, this bunch of amateurs we've come to know as the 'Minnows' have fronted up and in some cases, struck real fear into the hearts of the top teams.

We've all been thoroughly entertained and enamoured by these players that have given there all and sacrificed a great deal to represent their respective beloved countries. In the process they've made the world sit up and take notice of them.

As in the past with previous traditional minnows Argentina, Tonga, Samoa, and Fiji, these sides will one day grow if given the opportunity.

What some of us don't realise is that these are not the bottom of the bottom in terms of world rugby. These teams qualified for the tournament, with some very competitive qualifying stages in each of their parts of the world. So they've earned their place. And now, the IRB want to cut the tournament down to 16 teams in 2011.

I think I speak for all when I say we want to see these teams and these players in New Zealand in four years time.

Please show your support by leaving a comment and maybe mentioning your favourite minnow moment of the tournament. If you have a contact at the IRB, do your part to make a change by sending them the link.



Fuelling the Flame by CRASHCARBURN (formerly Tweak)

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Argentina upset France - Corletto try

Argentina upset hosts France in the opening game of the 2007 Rugby World Cup last night.

It was a scrappy encounter in which France looked totally unprepared amazingly, showing a lack of ability to change gameplan when needed.

Argentina showed great guts and commitment though, tackling for their lives and desperate to once again make the point that they should be taken seriously in world rugby.

Fullback Ignacio Corletto finished off this try after a loose pass from the french. Showing great pace and a brilliant running line, Corletto effectively put the game beyond reach of the favourites.

After holding off the hapless French in the last 10 minutes, when the final whistle blew the underdogs showed true elation, but didn't get too carried away, with captain and fearless leader Augustin Pichot calming them down and reinforcing the fact that theres a whole lot more work to be done in this tournament.

The Argentinians have arrived.

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Serge Blanco winning try in 1987

Serge Blanco was one of the best attacking fullbacks the worlds seen. He was famed for his flair on the field and epitimised the French attitude to rugby. He also famously smoked 60 cigarettes a day throughout his career.

Against the Wallabies in the semi final of the inaugral World Cup in 1987 he effectively knocked the Aussies out of the tournament with this late try in injury time.

The try that broke Australian hearts is to this day considered one of the most famous tries in French rugby history, as well as World Cup rugby history.

With the French kicking off this years World Cup against Argentina on friday, the world will be watching for the next superstar waiting in the wings to take the stage. Follow all the best incidents right here on rugbydump.com.

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Dangerous Argentinian tackle vs Wales

Bad up-ending hit here from Lucas Borges of Argentina against Wales a cpl of weeks ago. Similar to the Habana tackle on Percy in the Super 14 this year.

Basically he just mistimed his run, but after watching it again, it was silly to put his arms up and hold the legs. Probably just a reflex action.
Welsh fullback Kevin Morgan bared the brunt of it though and the Welsh were anything but forgiving.

Right wing Borges was sent off for 10 mins, which is fair punishment in my mind.

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Federico Mendez knocks out Paul Ackford - Eng v Arg 1990

This is the haymaker of all haymakers. Possibly the most legendary, and at the same time infamous, punch seen on a rugby field to date.

Argentina's 18-year-old prop Federico Mendez leaves the pitch after being sent off following a punch that laid out England's Paul Ackford. Mendez was winning only his second cap.

He would later claim that he had been provoked by opposing prop Jeff Probyn, whom he accused of stamping on him, and that he had meant to hit Probyn.

England won the match 51-0, avenging a 15-13 defeat four months earlier, and secured their first grand slam for 11 years later that season.

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Argentina beat Ireland!

Argentina's achieved a historic victory over Ireland last weekend. Fantastic result for them which once again reinforces the point that they need to be taken seriously, and included in an international tournament.

In summary, the Irish visited Sante Fe to take on Los Pumas. Ireland's two tries were answered by Felipe Contepomi's penalty kicks. A late Argentine try and a bit of magic from Contepomi proved to be the difference in this upset.

Los Pumas have now beaten both England and Ireland...But where do they stand in the grand scheme of things, with the world cup in September?


Time: 03:34

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England vs Argentina Highlights - England tries

Enland got beaten by a feisty Argentina side on saturday at Twickenham. It's the first time the south americans have beaten the English at that venue, and it's leapfrogged them up to 6th in the world rankings.

England now sit at seventh in the world. Not too good for the world champions less than a year away from when they need to defend their trophy.

They did score two brilliant individual tries though, so here those are.

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