Argentina crush Chile 2007-8-5 17:55Buenos Aires - Flyhalf Felipe Contepomi scored 25 points with a try and 10 conversions as Argentina crushed Chile 70-14 in their last home match before the World Cup in France starting next month.
The Pumas, who made 11 changes in the second half, ran in 10 tries including two each from fullback Federico Serra and flanker Juan Fernandez Lobbe against their weak trans-Andean neighbours in Saturday's Test.
Argentina fell behind twice early in the match when Chile wing Cristobal Berti intercepted two Contepomi passes to score tries, which he converted, but they fought back to lead 28-14 at the interval.
There was one negative note for coach Marcelo Loffreda. Centre Gonzalo Tiesi took a knock on the cheek and could miss the World Cup if there is a fracture, team sources said.
Argentina meet Wales in Cardiff in another Test on Aug 18. The also face Belgium, who will be reinforced by several French players, in their last warm-up on Aug 25 before playing hosts France in the World Cup's opening game in Paris on Sept 7.
Conti's still sending out the intercepts? That's the kind of flowing play I like!
The next match is going to be interesting - I can see the full Wales backrow getting at Pichot and Conti.
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Argentina crush Chile 2007-8-5 17:55Buenos Aires - Flyhalf Felipe Contepomi scored 25 points with a try and 10 conversions as Argentina crushed Chile 70-14 in their last home match before the World Cup in France starting next month.
The Pumas, who made 11 changes in the second half, ran in 10 tries including two each from fullback Federico Serra and flanker Juan Fernandez Lobbe against their weak trans-Andean neighbours in Saturday's Test.
Argentina fell behind twice early in the match when Chile wing Cristobal Berti intercepted two Contepomi passes to score tries, which he converted, but they fought back to lead 28-14 at the interval.
There was one negative note for coach Marcelo Loffreda. Centre Gonzalo Tiesi took a knock on the cheek and could miss the World Cup if there is a fracture, team sources said.
Argentina meet Wales in Cardiff in another Test on Aug 18. The also face Belgium, who will be reinforced by several French players, in their last warm-up on Aug 25 before playing hosts France in the World Cup's opening game in Paris on Sept 7.
Conti's still sending out the intercepts? That's the kind of flowing play I like!
The next match is going to be interesting - I can see the full Wales backrow getting at Pichot and Conti.
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Did they have Contepomi at 10 or 12?
And Contepomi is a very good player, he comes up with great performances for Leinster very often.
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He's a much better 10 in my opinion, he's alright at 12 for leinster when he has to cover when D'Arcy is gone, maybe its because ive never seen him with a quality fly half (Andy Dunne doesnt quite fit the quality fly half description for leinster) outside of him.
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<div class='quotemain'> Conti's still sending out the intercepts? That's the kind of flowing play I like!
The next match is going to be interesting - I can see the full Wales backrow getting at Pichot and Conti.[/b]
This can surely be a surprise, specially for Irealand who are used to a more static game against Argentina. [/b]
<div class='quotemain'> This can surely be a surprise, specially for Irealand who are used to a more static game against Argentina. [/b]
The thread is about Argentina's style - so:
Will Arg take quick ball off the top of the lineout and send it wide to try and break Ireland's midfield? Or will Conti/Hernandez kick high from scrum/ruck possession and let the winger's chase down? Or will it be a pick-and-go game through the pack, with points coming from penalties?
I think the first option is out. And Ireland will have to hit back in the first half against a forward grind, while the Arg #10 is under strict instructions to keep it tight for fear of intercepts. Ireland will score big before half time, and then the Conti/Hernandez calculations will unwind.
NB I'm guessing/hoping - not underestimating Arg, just recognizing Ireland's quality.
What do you think?
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Todeschini is licking for Argentina.[/b]
Todeschini is licking for Argentina. I think the Pumas have the best squad ever, it would be great if they could do a Great World Cup. The scrum, and 3 backs (Hernandez, Contepomi and Corleto) are the team´s biggest strength.[/b]
