What a superb way to open the world cup. Not a classic in terms of skill and precision, but in terms of drama it was spectacular. What struck me most about Argentina's performance, was two things; firstly, the aggressive way that they chased absolutely everything, and never gave a Frenchman a moment on the ball, they harried and hassled and tackled anything that moved. Secondly, the physicality of their performance. They played like South Africa or New Zealand in the way that they hit rucks and tackles really hard, at pace, and really asserted themselves. However, there is still room for improvement. Their decision-making was poor in attacking positions, and Hernandez needs to make a better fist of running a game. Their scrum was also unusually wobbly. The biggest challenge for them now, is proving that it was not a one-off. They need to ensure that they bring that same intensity to the match against Ireland, or they could yet miss out, if results go against them. Still, this is their day, and it makes a mockery of the fact that they are not included in the Tri-Nations.
7 September 2007
Argentina spoil France's party
What a superb way to open the world cup. Not a classic in terms of skill and precision, but in terms of drama it was spectacular. What struck me most about Argentina's performance, was two things; firstly, the aggressive way that they chased absolutely everything, and never gave a Frenchman a moment on the ball, they harried and hassled and tackled anything that moved. Secondly, the physicality of their performance. They played like South Africa or New Zealand in the way that they hit rucks and tackles really hard, at pace, and really asserted themselves. However, there is still room for improvement. Their decision-making was poor in attacking positions, and Hernandez needs to make a better fist of running a game. Their scrum was also unusually wobbly. The biggest challenge for them now, is proving that it was not a one-off. They need to ensure that they bring that same intensity to the match against Ireland, or they could yet miss out, if results go against them. Still, this is their day, and it makes a mockery of the fact that they are not included in the Tri-Nations.
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Think your comment about the way they chased the ball down is spot on. Argentina played in a way that made France have to produce something special and they came up pitifully short. I don't really know enough about the French squad to know what they can do to make changes which they will inevitably have to do after such a lacklustre performance.
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