Americas Rugby News Rugby news from across the Americas!
On this day in 1999 history was made. It was the day in which Argentina defeated Ireland in Lens, eliminating the western Europeans from the World Cup. For Los Pumas it sealed a first ever appearance in a Rugby World Cup Quarter Final.
Argentina’s 28-24 win was a ground-breaking achievement. It saw a South American country through to the final eight for the first time. It was an unearthing of players who would go on to play their rugby in Europe, many of whom would become club champions in the process.
With an eye to the long-term it was an important part on enabling the high of 2007 to become a reality. Players including Felipe Contepomi, Manuel Contepomi, Ignacio Corleto, Ignacio Fernández Lobbe, Omar Hasan, Mario Ledesma, Gonzalo Longo, Agustín Pichot and Martín Scelzo were all young in 1999 but veterans in 2007.
In 1999 they played with the world’s best goal-kicker of the time, Gonzalo Quesada. He would be the highest scorer of the tournament. Against Ireland he scored 23 points, one less than his opposite David Humphries. What separated the teams was a try.
The one score of the match was a superb effort, finished off in the corner by Diego Albanese. With Ireland’s scrummaging well Pichot passed to his left. He found Felipe Contpomi who attracted two defenders before passing. A second cut-out-pass then found its way to Albanese who beat Brian O’Driscoll to the line to score.
Argentina and Ireland would meet again in the three of the four subsequent Rugby World Cups. Los Pumas have won three of the four matches between the sides.
