Americas Rugby News Rugby news from across the Americas!
SIC completed an amazing comeback today to win El Clásico. Having been 30-10 down, SIC won the battle of San Isidro, defeating CASI 31-30. The stunning win came from a converted try from former Puma Benjamín Madero.
Winning El Clásico is of vital interest to players, supporters and, most importantly, the families of all involved. It is one of the fiercest club rivalries rivalries that exist anywhere in the world.
For SIC today’s result also brought with it longterm value. The club is now virtually assured of a place in the play-off’s. For CASI the result was not only heart-breaking but it sees the club remaining in the relegation zone.
SIC’s victory was truly one for the ages. The club was 20 points behind in the 46th minute and had lost fullback Gastón Arias to a first half red card. El Clásico brought out the best in SIC, though, as a team effort saw two second half penalty tries to make it 30-24 in the final minutes.
Madero’s try sealed the unlikely win. It was also on the back of SIC collaboration. Having received the ball inside his team’s in-goal area, Madero completed a rescue mission. Upon doing so little did he know that 27 phases later he would score by diving over to snatch a miracle win.
Following the try and conversion referee Federico Anselmi blew his whistle for full-time. Argentina’s leading official had a superb match. His decision to send-off Arias was the correct one.
Featuring for CASI today was Agustín Figuerola. He made a return to his home side to play in el Clásico after seven years of playing in France. Additional names of note involved were Rodrigo Etchart, Santiago Álvarez Fourcade, Bruno Devoto and Ignacio Larrague. All have featured for the Argentina XV this year.
