Houston we have a problem. Los Pumas are unable to finish off matches. They are proving to be competitive at half time and, usually, still so into the second half. But in the final quarter there is a growing list of failures in which Argentina is getting beaten. Los Pumas’ …
Read More »Forward Thinking (Vol 3, Iss 5): Booking Rugby World Cup 2019
With Tonga qualifying for Japan 2019 this past weekend Pool C is complete. The Oceania side officially joined Argentina, England, France and the USA in the Pool of Death. This serves as a reminder of the need to book Rugby World Cup 2019 appropriately. Inappropriate Booking The existing model of …
Read More »Forward Thinking (Vol 3, Iss 4): Time for Argentina to Play in Georgia
It is time for Argentina to play in Georgia. Los Pumas’ recent home match against the Lelos was the second occasion in which the teams have played a test match in Argentina. They have never played in Georgia, a fact which will hopefully not last for much longer. Argentina vs …
Read More »Forward Thinking (Vol 3, Iss 3): Dominant Scrum With Mobile Props
A dominant scrum with mobile props. This is what Daniel Hourcade is seeking. Yet the traditional strength of Argentine rugby was exposed by Georgia. In San Salvador de Jujuy the Eastern Europeans dominated the battle, shoving Los Pumas backwards with regularity, winning penalties and even a penalty try. Mission Hourcade …
Read More »Forward Thinking (Vol 3, Iss 2): RWC Needs Global Repechage
The Rugby World Cup needs global repechage. Wait, what? There already is one is there not? In actuality no. While it is true that Pool B of Japan 2019 will have the Repechage Winner and Pool A the Play-Off Winner the system favors particular regions over others. The Repechage Winner could, in …
Read More »Forward Thinking (Vol 3, Iss 1): Argentina Depth in 2017
It is almost that time of the year. The month June is fast approaching. Argentina will have a series of three home matches. Coming away a 3-0 record will require vast improvement compared to that displayed in 2016. Can Argentina do it? Based on who is touring the short answer …
Read More »Forward Thinking (Vol. 2, Iss. 13): The Jaguares, Pumas Numbers
Argentina’s teams – Los Jaguares and Los Pumas did not come away with the results they desired. The numbers is to be the subject of this, the final Forward Thinking of the year. In 2016 Los Pumas played 13 test matches. Los Jagures had 15 matches in Super Rugby. Combined this meant …
Read More »Forward Thinking (Vol. 2, Iss. 12): Make November Northern Hemisphere Tours
This year’s edition of the end-of-year international series again saw countries from the world over playing test match rugby in Europe. Yes, in Europe. This is the subject of the latest edition of Forward Thinking: Make November Northern Hemisphere Tours. Dated North vs South Terminology Many members of the global rugby …
Read More »Forward Thinking (Vol. 2, Iss. 11): Buying a Place at RWC 2019
World Rugby must act to change player eligibility rules immediately. It cannot allow for test match rugby to be tarnished any further. The sport is under attack at the highest level as unions are using the laws to their advantage to identity talent and nationalize players to, within three years, have …
Read More »Forward Thinking (Vol. 2, Iss. 10): 10 Factors of Jaguares’ Campaign
Los Jaguares’ inaugural Super Rugby campaign involved fifteen matches. Of these the return was four victories, an insignificant total for the season to be deemed successful. Numerous questions from a variety of people as to ”what went wrong” have been asked. On social media alone I have been contacted by Argentine …
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