Wednesday, June 27, 2012
France bounce back with convincing win over Argentina in Tucuman
France levelled their two match series against Argentina with a 49-10 thrashing in Tucuman on Saturday. Six changes were made to the team that narrowly lost in Cordoba, and this week they scored six tries, including two from winger Yoann Huget.
France ended their 14-year losing streak in Argentina as Freddie Michalak made his first Test start in five years. He kicked superbly and collected a personal tally of 19 points.
Agen number nine Maxime Machenaud scored a try on Test debut, eliciting a response from the French commentator which went something like: "Wohaaay, Wohooo, Haa Haa!"
Felipe Contepomi played what could be his final game, as he may be unavailable for the Rugby Championship due to club commitments with Stade Francais. He kicked the final points of the match after the home side scored a consolation try, and left the field to a warm reception from the crowd.
"I'm disappointed that we didn't play well and when you make so many mistakes they then prove to be very expensive," said Contepomi after the game. "We knew what the French were coming to do but we didn't know what to do to counter it."
Argentina now need to regroup ahead of the Rugby Championship, following a good win over Italy and one against France, but the latest outing was somewhat of an error riddled performance.
How do you think Argentina will fare in the inaugral Rugby Championship?
Posted at 8:29 am | 17 comments
|
Related Posts
Argentina snatch victory from France with late try
Felipe Contepomi's rough night against Worcester
Contepomi's winning drop goal isn't a winning drop goal
Argentina post record score against France in Buenos Aires
Contepomi and Fitzgerald combine for a great Leinster try
Frederic Michalak's first ever Super 14 try
|
|
Viewing 17 comments
Alex June 27, 2012 11:02 am
kadova June 27, 2012 4:16 pm
Good experience for everybody here.
Cristian June 27, 2012 5:45 pm
Most of this players play in Argentina. The only experienced player of this squad was Felipe contepomi, and he played these tests because he will not played the rugby championship.
kadova July 01, 2012 7:54 pm
I just meant the French were not their strongest side.
Tex15 June 27, 2012 12:32 pm
As far as the game goes Argentina looked pretty awful and if that is how they faired against the french then all I can see is a whitewash for them in the 4N.
alasdairhache June 27, 2012 12:44 pm
Guy June 27, 2012 12:49 pm
I missed the singing of the Argentinian national anthem in those highlights. Because these guys seem to be so passionate about representing their country, it gives me shivers every time I see it.
Indeed, they may be white washed in their first year in the 4N. They seem to lack a certain consistency in their performance. On the other hand: so do France and France came second in the World Cup.
It will be a great experience for the players nevertheless and come next world cup I think we will see the difference.
Agustin June 27, 2012 1:17 pm
BristolRugby June 27, 2012 6:02 pm
moddeur June 27, 2012 10:45 pm
The first French try comes from an illegal hold of Contepomi, should be penalty for Argentina. The 2nd Huget try (catches an aerial ball) comes from a mistake by the Argentinian defender who also jumps from the ball. When you're last in the line of defense, 20m from your try line, you don't jump for the ball unless you're sure you can get it.
Juggernauter June 28, 2012 2:05 am
Now you have to take into account they are two very young teams. Machenaud and Tomás de la Vega were particularly impressive.
I think the Pumas will lose (twice) against the ABs by a 30 point margin, to the Wallabies by a 20 point margin and they will perform well against South Africa, as they are both very physical, defence orientated teams.
Frenchie June 28, 2012 6:45 am
I hope Argentina will have a great 4N. You should remember they played the AB in the RWC and that they pushed them; i think it could be much tighter than 30 points difference. I can't wait.
Alex June 28, 2012 9:24 am
Fettsack June 28, 2012 1:13 pm
I though Machenaud was very impressive, I had never seen him play before and he seemed really at ease and was very quick to deliver. I though Michalack was going to play as he does in Super rugby: not good enough, but he was great during this game.
kadova July 01, 2012 7:52 pm
SiskOZ July 05, 2012 8:41 am
Commenting as Guest | Register or Login