The Pumas beat South Africa, who also meet Wales in the mouthwatering, four match series in November, in the Rugby Championship last weekend and are now primed for their ultimate test – against the world champion All Blacks in Hamilton next week.
Their 26-24 win over the Springboks in Salta last weekend enabled the Pumas’ to rise two places in the rankings. They over took Scotland and France to reach seventh place and now have sixth placed Ireland and fifth placed Wales in their sights.
“We’ve been looking for a win like this for a long time and it was one of our main goals in this year’s championship. We are very happy because we’ve achieved this with a lot of hard work both on and off the pitch,” said centre Matías Orlando.
“We set out our game plan and won by sticking to it. This will just make us stronger and it is worth even more because a lot of players had to play out of position.”
It took a late penalty from Santiago González Iglesias to complete Argentina’s first home win over South Africa – and only their second in 24 matches. Just as they had done in Nelspurit the previous weekend, when they went down to a 30-23 defeat to the Springboks, the Pumas let a 10 point lead
Nicolás Sánchez kicked two penalties, after Elton Jantjies had booted the visitors ahead, and he then converted
Joaquín Tuculet’s superb try to give Argentina a 13-3 half-time lead. South Africa came out fighting in the second half, levelling thanks to a second Jantjies penalty and a Bryan Habana try, only for Argentina to again open up a 10-point lead after Juan Martín Hernández produced a brilliant cross-field kick for Juan Manuel Leguizamon to score and then add a conversion and penalty.
Morne Steyn kicked two penalties either side of a 68th-minute Pieter-Steph du Toit try to move South Africa 24-23 ahead, but González Iglesias had the final say for the home side with his 78h minute winner.
But victory came at a cost for Daniel Hourade’s side as they saw lock Tomas Lavanini ruled out for six months after suffering a cruciate knee injury. He will miss the rest of the Rugby Championship and the November tour, while wing sensation Manuel Montero suffered a torn adductor muscle that will see him miss at least the next two games.
As for the Springboks, who face Wales in Cardiff on Saturday, 26 November, they are facing a tough time ahead of trips to face Australia and New Zealand over the next two weeks.
Argentina Squad to face New Zealand (10 September) and Australia (17 September)
Backs: Martin Landajo, Tomas Cubelli, Felipe Ezcurra, Santiago Gonzalez Iglesias, Nicolas Sanchez, Santiago Cordero, Ramiro Moyano, Jeronimo de la Fuente, Juan Martin Hernandez, Matias Moroni, Matias Orlando, Lucas Gonzalez Amorosino, Joaquin Tuculet
Forwards: Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro, Felipe Arregui, Agustin Creevy (captain), Lucas Noguera Paz, Julian Montoya, Ramiro Herrera, Enrique Pieretto, Matias Alemanno, Guido Petti, Marcos Kremer, Juan Manuel Leguizamon, Pablo Matera, Javier Ortega Desio, Leonardo Senatore, Facundo Isa
Supporters can purchase tickets from wru.wales/tickets (booking fees apply), by calling 0844 847 1881 (premium rates apply), in person at the WRU ticket office or by contacting their local rugby club.
Under Armour Series 2016
Wales v Australia – Saturday, 5 November (2.30pm)
Tickets: £70, £60 (£30), £40, £25
Wales v Argentina – Saturday, 12 November (5.30pm)
Tickets: £50, £40 (£20), £30, £20
Wales v Japan – Saturday, 19 November (2.30pm)
Tickets: £35, £20 (£10)
Wales v South Africa – Saturday, 26 November (5.30pm)
Tickets: £70, £60 (£30), £40, £25
