“Losing Against Wales was Very Tough, it Destroyed Us”

Los Pumas Head Coach Daniel Hourcade has revealed further details into his teams woes. Argentina lost all three matches in Europe last month, a worst ever return from a November tour to the old continent.

The South Americans arrived in Europe via Asia. Argentina’s tour had a fourth match with the 2019 World Cup hosts taking them on in Tokyo. Los Pumas had a fine performance against Japan. A 54-20 victory had Argentina playing at the heights of the second half performance against Georgia in Gloucester in September 2015.

But the subsequent matches were vastly different. Having beaten Georgia Argentina went on to knock over Tonga, Namibia and Ireland in subsequent matches. It saw Argentina back in the World Cup Semi Finals.

The win over Japan, in contrast, was followed by disappointing performances against Wales and Scotland. Having been in a position to win both the South Americans failed. By the time they lined up to play their final match, against England, it was clear that the teams spirits were at a low point. Indeed the red carding of Elliot Daly was insufficient as England still had the game plan and resolve to win.

Hourcade has identified Los Pumas’ capitulation as coming from Cardiff. “Our expectations let us down on this end-of-year tour. Losing against Wales was very tough, it destroyed us”.

The Pumas Head Coach also noted that the lack of confidence from Los Jaguares harmed Los Pumas. “There are things which we do that are distinct but they are the same players. There is no use searching for a cat’s fifth foot. It does not exist. We have these players and all of those that are Pumas are a part of the franchise. The players came defeated.”

Los Jaguares’ season two of Super Rugby is just over two months away. Los Jaguares will open their season away to the Kings on February 25.