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Mariano Galarza soaked up the plaudits from appreciative fans after playing a big role in Gloucester’s stunning 69-12 destruction of Zebre in Challenge Cup action on Saturday. The Pumas World Cup lock was in top form at Kingsholm, an impressive turnaround in only his second game back since returning from a long-term knee injury. After a 60-minute performance last weekend he went the full 80 this week which will be very welcome news to head coach Johan Ackermann.
While a four-try performance from winger Ollie Thorley caught the headlines, it was the forwards who set the platform with Galarza and second row partner Ed Slater outstanding. The towering Argentine was the primary lineout target and also pinched one of Zebre’s throws. Galarza was Gloucester’s leading tackler with 16 made and none missed, and while normally a conservative ball carrier he took the ball on a dozen times, topped only by midfielder Mark Atkinson.
At 31 years old Galarza remains in his prime for a lock forward and with his contract up at the end of the season speculation is growing that he could return to Argentina in June with an eye on making the 2019 World Cup squad. While the Pumas currently have fellow 2015 World Cup selections Tomás Lavanini, Matías Alemanno, and Guido Petti on their roster, the 2.03m (6’8″) Galarza offers a different skill set and athletic profile to go with huge experience both at international and club level.
