Hands On! with Juan Pablo Socino

Juan Pablo Socino is one of 31 players named in Argentina’s Rugby World Cup roster. This week Americas Rugby News had the opportunity to talk with him about his involvement in Los Pumas, how he got to where he is today and where the team is going as the World Cup approaches.

Having played in Europe since 2010 you are finally a Puma. Does hard work pay off?

Yes, I believe that the question answers itself because, Thank God, here I am today.  It is a great joy to have come to this. I can’t believe it.

You were approached to play for Treviso and for Italy. What is your message to other players?

I made my decision at the time based on my personal situation outside of rugby. I think everyone is free to make the decision that they want and follow their own dreams as they deem necessary.

How important has your time at the Newcastle Falcons been to making Daniel Hourcade’s team?

I could not be more thankful to Newcastle, it is a team that has faith in me, that has given me the opportunity to play in a league as competitive as the Premiership and has helped me exteremely to reach where I am today.

Hourcade said he has picked two teams for the World Cup. Are you to play inside center or fly half?

This is something that I don’t know, I am available for the team to play where they need me and that is how it will play out.

So, do you have a preference for playing 10 or 12 at the World Cup?

Really I don’t have a positional preference at all. I feel comfortable playing at both 10 and 12.

Also included are Santiago González Iglesias, Juan Martín Hernández, Nicolás Sánchez and Jerónimo De la Fuente. How do you feel about the competition?

It is a strong roster, with outstanding players, the competition is very high and is steady but it is healthy and loyal, thereby making it easier for everyone to grow.

New Zealand, Georgia, Tonga and Namibia all play very different rugby. How must the team adjust?

I don’t think that we need to adapt to anyone else’s game. We must focus on our game plan and prepare within the different tactics for each game.

Who would you most like to play against?

The opening game against New Zealand would be amazing.

Do you think teams fear Los Pumas after winning in South Africa?

I don’t feel that they fear us, but instead respect us. But it is something that the team has been demonstrating before such results.

Is Argentina better now than in 2011?

It would not be fair to say this and not right for me to do so. I find myself inside a squad and a team for the first time. What I know is that we have been building week after week and that we are very eager to play in this World Cup.

How far can Argentina dream?

Dreaming does not have limits, we train and we want to win every match, plan and simple.

Thank you Juan Pablo and best of luck to you and your teammates at the World Cup.

Juan Pablo Socino is an international rugby player for Argentina and a professional player for the Newcastle Falcons in the Aviva Premiership. He made his international debut against Australia last month as part of the Rugby Championship. He is 27 years old and plays flyhalf and inside center. Follow Juan Pablo on twitter @MamutSocino