SOUTH AFRICA v ARGENTINA: World Cup, Bronze

30.10.2015

Image thanks to ibtimes.co.uk

Venue: Olympic Park, London

Referee: John Lacey (Ireland)

Preview
This is a bronze medal match. It is not anywhere near the importance of the Final to be played Saturday. But try telling the 2007 Argentina side this match has no meaning. That win put Argentina well and truly in with the big boys of test rugby. We see them in 2015 in exactly the same position with perhaps an even better team.

South Africa has everything to lose and very little to gain. Their reputation has taken a beating in 2015. They came last in the shortened Rugby Championship which included a home loss to Argentina and the rugby world will never forget Japan’s astounding win over South Africa in their first pool match.

South African’s and New Zealander’s have a common attitude towards losing a rugby test match. Don’t do it! Losing is never an option and another loss by South Africa will create a dark cloud of that vast land and the coach can say goodbye.It would also place a minus against Victor Matfield’s illustrious test rugby career in this his last test match.

Argentina has problems. Four key players are out. They have depth in their team but losing captain Creevy is a vital blow from which I fear Argentina will not recover. It is a shame but I feel South Africa now has the favourite tag. Argentina though will go down fighting. If their explosive backs get a sniff of an upper hand it could well be even closer than the 13 point win to South Africa I have predicted. Still, Argentina will be even stronger in 2019 and they could well be in that final.

Last Five Encounters
15.08.2015 South Africa 26-12 in Buenos Aires ( RWC Warm up Friendly)
08.08.2015 Argentina 37-25 in Durban (Rugby Championship)

World Cup Encounters
14.10.2007 South Africa 37-13 in Paris (Semi-Final)

South Africa Last Five P 5, W 4, L 1
24.10.2015 v New Zealand L 18-20 at Twickenham (World Cup, Semi-Final)
17.10.2015 v Wales W 23-19 at Twickenham (World Cup, Quarter Final)
07.10.2015 v United States W 64-0 in London (World Cup, Pool B)
03.10.2015 v Scotland W 34-16 in Newcastle (World Cup, Pool B)
26.09.2015 v Samoa W 46-6 in Birmingham (World Cup, Pool B)

Argentina Last Five P 5, W 4, L 1
25.10.2015 v Australia L 15-29 at Twickenham (World Cup, Semi-Final)
18.10.2015 v Ireland W 43-20 in Cardiff (World Cup, Quarter Final)
11.10.2015 v Namibia W 64-19 in Leicester (World Cup, Pool C)
04.10.2015 v Tonga W 45-16 in Leicester (World Cup, Pool C)
25.09.2015 v Georgia W 54-9 in Gloucester (World Cup, Pool C)

GWC Rugby Rankings
World Table: South Africa 3rd, Argentina 6th

World Rugby Ranking Points
South Africa 86.02, Argentina 84.24

Prediction: South Africa too strong, by 13 points. Score 30-17

TEAMS

Argentina
15 Lucas Gonzalez Amorosino, 14 Santiago Cordero, 13 Matias Moroni,
12 Jeronimo De La Fuente, 11 Horacio Agulla, 10 Nicolás Sánchez (Capt),
9 Tomas Cubelli, 8 Juan Manuel Leguizamon, 7 Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe, 6 Javier Ortega Desio, 5 Tomas Lavanini, 4 Matias Alemanno, 3 Ramiro Herrera, 2 Julian Montoya, 1 Juan Figallo.
Replacements
16 Lucas Noguera, 17 Juan Pablo Orlandi, 18 Santiago Garcia Botta, 19 Guido Petti, 20 Facundo Isa, 21 Martin Landajo, 22 Santiago Gonzalez Iglesias, 23 Juan Pablo Socino.
Head Coach: Daniel Hourcade

South Africa
15 William le Roux, 14 JP Pietersen, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Damian de Allende,
11 Bryan Habana, 10 Handre Pollard, 9 Ruan Pienaar, 8 Duane Vermeulen,
7 Schalk Burger, 6 Francois Louw, 5 Victor Matfield (Capt.), 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Bismarck du Plessis, 1 Tendai Mtawarira.
Replacements
16 Adriaan Strauss, 17 Trevor Nyakane, 18 Jannie du Plessis, 19 Lodewyk de Jager, 20 Willem Alberts, 21 Rudy Paige, 22 Patrick Lambie, 23 Jan Serfontein.
Head Coach: Heyneke Meyer

RUGBY WORLD CUP: Second Semi-Final

25.10.2015
Australia 29, Argentina 15 at Twickenham (World Cup, Semi-final 2)

AUSTRALIA ARE IN!

Preview
Australia defeated Argentina 29-15 (4 tries to none) to secure a Rugby World Cup final place. They will face New Zealand at Twickenham, next Saturday.

They key to Australia’s win were their defence and their ability to secure possession at the breakdown. Australia took their chances despite a horror run of errors at the start of the second half but Argentina fluffed a number of scoring opportunities especially in the second half. They always looked dangerous with ball in hand.

Adam Ashley-Cooper score three tries his last after a magnificent run by Drew Mitchell. This score sealed the game. Argentina, though, never gave up and were attacking right to the end.

Australia will need to up their performance from today’s but in the final we will see the two best teams at the tournament in the final.

ARGENTINA 43, IRELAND 20: World Cup Quarter Final

18.10.2015

Argentina are into the 2015 Rugby World Cup semi finals after defeating Ireland in Cardiff. All the noise and the colour of the Irish supporters just could not pull the Irish up in this game. Argentina were dominant up front for much of the game and their backs were slick and quick. It was an exciting game to watch. Argentina have come of age.

RUGBY WORLD CUP: Quarter Finalists Confirmed

17.10.2015
South Africa v Wales at Twickenham (World Cup, Quarter Final 1)
New Zealand v France in Cardiff (World Cup, Quarter Final 2)

18.10.2015
Ireland v Argentina in Cardiff (World Cup, Quarter Final 3)
Australia v Scotland at Twickenham (World Cup, Quarter Final 4)

Briefly
Here they are. Now we are down to the real business end of the 2015 Rugby World Cup. The eight quarter finalists are listed above.

RUGBY WORLD CUP

11.10.2015
Japan 28, United States 18 in Gloucester (World Cup, Pool B)
Argentina 64, Namibia 19 in Leicester (World Cup, Pool C)
Italy 32, Romania 22 in Exeter (World Cup, Pool D)
Ireland 24, France 9 in Cardiff (World Cup, Pool D)

Reviews
Ireland placed themselves at the top of Pool D after defeating France 24-9 in Cardiff. There concern though is for a trio of injured players who may not be fit enough to play in next weekends quarter final match against Argentina. Coach Schmidt may have to find four replacements for injured players Peter O'Mahony, Paul O'Connell and Jonathan Sexton.

France will rue their lost opportunities on attack and will face a real battle against old foes New Zealand next weekend.

In other results Italy eventually defeated Romania but not without the Eastern Europeans putting up a great fight. Argentina overwhelmed a tired Namibia whilst Japan finished their Rugby World Cup tournament with a win but not enough to secure a quarter final place.

RUGBY WORLD CUP: Sunday’s Fixtures 11 October

United States v Japan in Gloucester (World Cup, Pool B)
Argentina v Namibia in Leicester (World Cup, Pool C)
Italy v Romania in Exeter (World Cup, Pool D)
France v Ireland in Cardiff (World Cup, Pool D)

Briefly
The USA v Japan game is for pride only. Because Scotland defeated Samoa Japan did not reach the quarter finals. But they can be proud of their achievement in gaining automatic qualification to the 2019..hang on! They automatically qualified as they will be the host nation.

Pool C has also been sorted so the Argentina-Namibia game has no bearing.

The action is in Pool D. Ireland and France clash to see who tops this pool and has an easier ride to the semi-finals. Romania and Italy clash for third place. Romania will desperate to win this game, qualify for 2019 and push the claim that Romania and Georgia should be included into the 6 Nations tournament.

There is a lot to play for tomorrow.

Predictions
Japan to win by 14 points. Score 27-13
Argentina to win by 31 points. Score 42-11
Ireland to win by 8 points. Score 21-13
Italy to win by 9 points. Score 24-15

RUGBY WORLD CUP: Results 4 October

04.10.2015
Argentina 45, Tonga 16 in Leicester (World Cup, Pool B)
Ireland 16, Italy 9 in London (World Cup, Pool D)

Briefly
Argentina cruised past Tonga in Pool B whilst a below form Ireland managed a close 16-9 win over a resurgent Italy. The Italians had charismatic leader Sergio Parisse back in the team following injury.

RUGBY WORLD CUP: Sunday 4 October

Argentina v Tonga in Leicester (World Cup, Pool B)

Briefly
Argentina should account for Tonga in their Pool B clash

Prediction: Argentina by 16 points. Score 37-21

TEAMS

Argentina
15 Joaquin Tuculet, 14 Santiago Cordero, 13 Matias Moroni, 12 Jeronimo De La Fuente, 11 Juan Imhoff, 10 Nicolas Sánchez, 9 Martín Landajo, 8 Leonardo Senatore, 7 Juan Martín Fernández Lobbe, 6 Pablo Matera, 5 Tomás Lavanini, 4 Guido Petti, 3 Ramiro Herrera, 2 Agustín Creevy (Capt.), 1 Marcos Ayerza.
Replacements
16 Julian Montoya, 17 Lucas Noguera, 18 Juan Pablo Orlandi, 19 Matias Alemanno, 20 Juan Manuel Leguizamón, 21 Tomas Cubelli, 22 Santiago Gonzalez Iglesias, 23 Horacio Agulla.
Head Coach: Daniel Hourcade

Tonga
15 Vungakoto Lilo, 14 Telusa Veainu, 13 Siale Piutau, 12 Sione Piukala,
11 Fetu'u Vainikolo, 10 Kurt Morath, 9 Sonatane Takulua, 8 Viliami Ma'afu,
7 Nili Latu (Capt.), 6 Sione Kalamafoni, 5 Joseph Tuineau, 4 Tukulua Lokotui,
3 Halani 'Aulika, 2 Elvis Taione, 1 Soane Tonga'uiha.
Replacements
16 Aleki Lutui, 17 Sona Taumalolo, 18 Sila Puafisi, 19 Sitiveni Mafi, 20 Opeti Fonua, 21 Samisoni Fisilau, 22 Latiume Fosita, 23 David Halaifonua.
Head Coach: Mana Otai

Ireland v Italy in London (World Cup, Pool D)

Briefly
Ireland should have little difficulty against 6 Nations rivals Italy.

Prediction: Ireland by 28 points. Score 45-17

TEAMS

Ireland
15 Simon Zebo, 14 Tommy Bowe, 13 Keith Earls, 12 Robert Henshaw,
11 David Kearney, 10 Jonathon Sexton, 9 Conor Murray, 8 James Heaslip,
7 Sean O'Brien, 6 Peter O'Mahony, 5 Paul O'Connell (Capt.), 4 Iain Henderson, 3 Michael Ross, 2 Rory Best, 1 Jack McGrath
Replacements
16 Sean Cronin, 17 Cian Healy, 18 Nathan White, 19 Devin Toner,
20 Christopher Henry, 21 Eoin Reddan, 22 Ian Madigan, 23 Luke Fitzgerald
Head Coach: Joe Schmidt

Italy
15 Luke McLean, 14 Leonardo Sarto, 13 Michele Campagnaro, 12 Gonzalo Garcia, 11 Giovanbattista Venditti, 10 Tommaso Allan, 9 Edoardo Gori,
8 Sergio Parisse (Capt.), 7 Simone Favaro, 6 Francesco Minto, 5 Joshua Furno, 4 Quintin Geldenhuys, 3 Lorenzo Cittadini, 2 Andrea Manici, 1 Matias Aguero.
Replacements
16 Davide Giazzon, 17 Michele Rizzo, 18 Dario Chistolini, 19 Alessandro Zanni, 20 Mauro Bergamasco, 21 Guglielmo Palazzani, 22 Carlo Canna, 23 Tommaso Benvenuti.
Head Coach: Jacques Brunel

RUGBY WORLD CUP RESULTS

25.09.2015
Argentina 54 Georgia 9 in Gloucester (World Cup, Pool C)

24.09.2015
New Zealand 58, Namibia 14 in London (World Cup, Pool C)

Reviews
New Zealand eased passed Namibia in their second game of the tournament, Namibia’s first. The second half was a dis jointed display by the world number one team. Namibia on the other hand played to their ability and performed better as the game progressed. They were never going to win but continued a series of good performances by the minnows at this tournament. World rugby is in good health.

Other Reviews
http://www.planetrugby.com/story/0,25883,3562_82612,00.html
http://www.espnscrum.com/2015-rugby-world-cup/rugby/story/275893.html

Argentina were too strong and fast for a disappointing Georgian side in Gloucester. The sinbinning of captain Gorgodze knocked the stuffing out of Georgia and they had no answer to the slick and pacey Argentinians.

POOL C

	P	W	D	L	PF	PA	DIFF	TF	TA	BP	PT
NEW ZEALAND	2	2	0	0	84	30	54	11	2	1	9
ARGENTINA	2	1	0	1	70	35	35	8	2	1	5
GEORGIA	2	1	0	1	26	64	-38	2	8	0	4
TONGA	1	0	0	1	10	17	-7	1	2	1	1
NAMIBIA	1	0	0	1	14	58	-44	0	0	0	0

What’s Next?

29.09.2015	TONGA		NAMIBIA		EXETER
02.10.2015	GEORGIA		NEW ZEALAND		CARDIFF
04.10.2015	ARGENTINA		TONGA		LEICESTER
07.10.2015	NAMIBIA		GEORGIA		EXETER
09.10.2015	NEW ZEALAND		TONGA		NEWCASTLE
11.10.2015	ARGENTINA		NAMIBIA		LEICESTER

NEW ZEALAND 26, ARGENTINA 16: World Cup, Pool C

20.09.2015

After a shaky start (actually all the first half and some of the second) New Zealand finally overcame a stern challenge from the South Americans. The Argentineans defended grandly and produced a number of attacking opportunities, feeding off the All Blacks mistakes and applying pressure.

Two yellow cards to two experienced All Blacks (McCaw and Conrad Smith) highlighted the pressure exerted upon the New Zealanders as indiscipline crept into their play. Once the replacements started to appear in the second half, especially the arrival of Sonny Bill Williams, the All Blacks upped the tempo and put an end to the South American challenge.

Up until the last quarter of the match an upset victory by Argentina was on the cards. The crowd’s anticipation of witnessing two upsets in a row (following Japan’s victory over South Africa the day before) created a fantastic atmosphere at the ground. This World Cup is alive and well!

Exit Richie McCaw.
Image thanks to www.rugbyworld.com

Argentina’s defence was the key to their earlier dominance.
Image thanks to www.dailymail.co.uk

	P	W	D	L	PF	PA	DIFF	TF	TA	BP	PT
NEW ZEALAND	1	1	0	0	26	16	10	2	1	0	4
GEORGIA	1	1	0	0	17	10	7	2	1	0	4
TONGA	1	0	0	1	10	17	-7	1	2	1	1
ARGENTINA	1	0	0	1	16	26	-10	1	2	0	0
NAMIBIA	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0

 

19.09.2015	GEORGIA	17	TONGA	10	GLOUCESTER
20.09.2015	NEW ZEALAND	26	ARGENTINA	16	LONDON
24.09.2015	NEW ZEALAND		NAMIBIA		LONDON
25.09.2015	ARGENTINA		GEORGIA		GLOUCESTER
29.09.2015	TONGA		NAMIBIA		EXETER
02.10.2015	GEORGIA		NEW ZEALAND		CARDIFF
04.10.2015	ARGENTINA		TONGA		LEICESTER
07.10.2015	NAMIBIA		GEORGIA		EXETER
09.10.2015	NEW ZEALAND		TONGA		NEWCASTLE
11.10.2015	ARGENTINA		NAMIBIA		LEICESTER

Stats from www.rugbyinternational.net

RUGBY WORLD CUP 2015: Coming Up Day 3

20.09.2015
Wales v Uruguay in Cardiff (World Cup, Pool A)
Samoa v United States at Brighton (World Cup, Pool B)
New Zealand v Argentina in London (World Cup, Pool C)

Briefly
New Zealand begin this tournament with what will probably be their toughest match. Argentina believe they can cause another sensational upset.

Wales and Samoa are favoured to win their first pool matches.

TEST RUGBY THIS WEEKEND

08.08.2015
New Zealand v Australia in Sydney (Bledisloe Cup, Rugby Championship)
South Africa v Argentina in Durban (Rugby Championship)
Ireland v Wales in Cardiff (World Cup Warm Up)
Kenya v Namibia in Windhoek (Africa Cup 1A)

Briefly
The warm up fixtures will be well and truly underway this weekend with the first 6 Nations side hitting out. Ireland and Wales clash in Cardiff.

The Africa Cup 1A competition continues with Namibia at home against up-and-coming Kenya. It will be a big test for both sides. Kenya has impressed this season whilst Namibia will be keen to add the Africa Cup to the silverware cabinet before they land in England for the World Cup. They have another game in Windhoek next weekend. This will be the last Africa Cup 1A game and it will be against Zimbabwe.

The final round of the 2015 Rugby Championship (shortened because of the Rugby World Cup) will see a final between New Zealand and Australia in Sydney. Both teams go into this test match undefeated. Australia, as hosts, will be eager to defeat New Zealand for the first time in four years. New Zealand captain will equal Brian O’Driscoll’s world record 141st test caps. This game will be a cracker. Can’t wait!

In the other game South Africa meets Argentina in Durban to sort out the minor placings. The Rugby Championship though is not really the top prize for 2015. These games are really just curtain raisers.

RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP: Round 2

25.07.2015
New Zealand 27, South Africa 20 in Johannesburg (Rugby Championship)
Australia 34, Argentina 9 in Mendoza (Rugby Championship)

Briefly
Australia out muscled and out thought Argentina in Mendoza to win convincingly. The result was very disappointing for Argentina who made all the play early in the match and spun the ball whenever they could.

Australia’s solid defence was the key. Towards the end two quick tries against a tiring Argentina sealed the match.

New Zealand played a very patient game against South Africa. Their defence held against a determined Springbox side that played a very open game at pace (very much like the All Blacks) but mistakes were costly especially in the second half. It was at this stage that New Zealand began to take control and were on top towards the end.

Next

08.08.2015
Australia v New Zealand in Sydney
South Africa v Argentina in Durban

This is the last round in a shortened Rugby Championship for 2015. The New Zealand-Australia game will virtually be the final; The winner takes the title.

TEST RUGBY RESULT

17.07.2015
New Zealand 39, Argentina 18 in Christchurch (Rugby Championship)

Briefly
New Zealand eased past Argentina in Christchurch in a game of mixed stages.

Initially New Zealand were completely dominant but for a stubborn and well organised Argentina defence. Argentina looked as though they would be overwhelmed.

In the second half Argentina lifted their game and at times seriously rattled the All Blacks. Two quick tries generated from a line out and rolling mauls (an Argentinean speciality) stung the All Blacks to recover and finish the game on top.

Nothing could be taken away from the Argentinean performance.

NEW ZEALAND v ARGENTINA: Rugby Championship

17.07.2015

Venue: AMI Stadium, Christchurch

Referee: Craig Joubert (South Africa)

Preview
Argentina has chosen to field a below strength against New Zealand in their first major outing this season. In a match they are unlikely to win going on previous history they have rested some key players. They have the Rugby World Cup in a few months in mind. Three players will make their rugby Championship debut; Facundo Isa, Guido Petti and Santiago Cordero.

New Zealand will field a strong line up with a number of veterans being tested well before the final selection of the World Cup squad. Their shaky performance against Samoa is unlikely to be repeated.

Last Five Encounters  NZ 5-0
17.09.2014 New Zealand 34-13 in La Plata (Rugby Championship)
06.09.2014 New Zealand 28-9 in Napier (Rugby Championship)
28.09.2013 New Zealand 33-15 in La Plata (Rugby Championship)
07.09.2013 New Zealand 28-13 in Hamilton (Rugby Championship)
29.09.2012 New Zealand 54-15 in Buenos Aires (Rugby Championship)

New Zealand has never lost to Argentina. The closest Argentina has managed was a 21-21 draw in 1985.

New Zealand Last Five P 5, W 5
08.07.2015 v Samoa W 25-16 in Apia
22.11.2014 v Wales W 34-16 in Cardiff
15.11.2014 v Scotland W 24-16 at Murrayfield
08.11.2014 v England W 24-21 at Twickenham
01.11.2014 v United States W 74-6 in Chicago

Argentina Last Five P 5, W 4, L 1
23.05.2015 v Paraguay W 71-7 in Asuncion (CONSUR Cup)
16.05.2015 v Uruguay W 36-14 in Montevideo (CONSUR Cup)
22.11.2014 v France W 18-13 in Paris
14.11.2014 v Italy W 20-18 in Genoa
08.11.2014 v Scotland L 31-41 at Murrayfield

Argentina also played two non test international matches against a French Barbarians in late  June in Argentina. They lost the first 20-28 and won the second 21-9.

GWC Rugby Rankings
World Table:New Zealand 5th, Argentina 9th

IRB Ranking Points
New Zealand 93.70, Argentina 78.23

Prediction: New Zealand by 25 points. Score-36-11

TEAMS

New Zealand
15 Israel Dagg, 14 Waisake Naholo, 13 Ma'a Nonu, 12 Sonny Bill Williams,
11 Charles Piutau, 10 Daniel Carter, 9 TJ Perenara, 8 Kieran Read, 7 Richie McCaw (Capt.), 6 Jerome Kaino, 5 Brodie Retallick, 4 Luke Romano, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Keven Mealamu, 1 Tony Woodcock.
Replacements
16 Codie Taylor, 17 Wyatt Crockett, 18 Nepo Laulala, 19 Jeremy Thrush,
20 Liam Messam, 21 Andrew Ellis, 22 Colin Slade, 23 Ryan Crotty.
Head Coach: Steve Hansen

Argentina
15 Joaquin Tuculet, 14 Horacio Agulla, 13 Marcelo Bosch, 12 Jeronimo De la Fuente, 11 Santiago Cordero, 10 Nicolas Sanchez, 9 Tomas Cubelli,
8 Facundo Isa, 7 Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe, 6 Juan Manuel Leguizamon,
5 Guido Petti, 4 Manuel Carizza, 3 Ramiro Herrera, 2 Agustin Creevy (Capt.),
1 Marcos Ayerza.
Replacements
16 Julian Montoya, 17 Lucas Noguera, 18 Nahuel Chaparro Tetaz, 19 Benjamin Macome, 20 Javier Ortega Desio, 21 Martin Landajo, 22 Santiago Gonzalez Iglesias, 23 Lucas Gonzalez Amorosino.
Head Coach: Daniel Hourcade

Team lists thanks to http://www.planetrugby.com/story/0,25883,3551_62778,00.html