Juan Martin Hernandez to miss the WC for the puma's
http://www.planetrugby.com/story/0,25883,16024_7090912,00.html
Bad news for Juan, Good news for Scotland and England. The truth of it is that Hernandez and Contempomy are two of the most exciting and creative players in the world and while the latter looks set to Captain the puma's the former has been struggling with injury for quite awhile now.
Thoughts on Argentina?
My thoughts are as follows. They lost their inspirational captain Augusín (Gus) Pichot after 07 WC and a host of other retirements but they also finally secured a spot in a regular competition the Tri Nations. However my feelings are that in 07 they were in a very special place. they had one of those years, rare years where it all came together at the right time. They had wonderful players playing at the peak of their skills. They had a wonderful captain in the little and feisty Pichot. And they were perhaps the most together and motivated team in the competition. Having a massive and collective chip on their shoulder and wanting to prove the world wrong.
Well they did prove us wrong and now i see them right back where they started. No mans Land. their best player is not gona be there, their old captain is long gone, their new captain is a great player but on the down side of a career and I wager we won't see him for more then a year after the WC before he retires. They have secured a spot in the soon to be four nations, but look likely to be in for a long haul before they are a world rugby power, if ever... ALA Italy in the 6 nations. (personally i still think its unfair that Georgia didn't get that spot in the 6 nations but thats another discussion.)
All considered, i think they represent a stern physical test for both England and Scotland but i do not see them attaining the heights of the previous WC, in fact in don't see them escaping the group stages and that can only be damaging to there aspirations of making Rugby a reasonably popular sport in a country that is dominated by wendyball.
On a personal note: They spoiled my party 4 years ago and now its payback time! England and Scotland i here by charge you with the task of destroying Argentina... Karmic retribution boys!
Pool B looking a little easier...
posted on 11/8/11
Im happy to take any help to make the group easier thanks
I dont know much about Argentina these days - I think modern day rugby has caused too many games against the tri nations and tours dont seem to be as special as they were - and I cant remember the last time Eng toured in Argentina - the 90s????? maybe it will change when they come into the TNs - is that still happening?
I think they should have a lions tour in Argentina
posted on 11/8/11
Yes its happening next season as far as i can remember. Maybe 2013. anyway they (argentina) have certain obligations to fulfil before they can join, something about stadium size, academy structure, youth structure etc etc. but it looks set to happen as they have had no problems agreeing to the obligations set out.