Maximiliano Bustos signs for Montpellier - Pumas frontrow looms for 2011-2012

[Melhor Time]

http://rugbyworldcup-argentina2023.blogspot.com/2011/06/maximiliano-bustos-signs-for.html

An all Pumas frontrow looms for Montpellier in 2011-2012 followign the announcement that the French Top 14 runners-up for the 2010-2011 season, have confirmed the signature of 25 year old Argentine tighthead prop, Maximiliano Bustos on a two year contract with the option of an additional year. Bustos is uncapped but has made appearance for the Argentina A side known as Los Jaguares and made one appearance for Argentina in a non-international match vs the French Barbarians earlier this month. His appearances for Los Jaguares include matches against opposition including the BC Bears, Canada A, the Canada Selects, USA Selects and Tonga A in the 2009 and 2010 Americas Rugby Championship´s and vs Russia in Russia also in 2010.


Maximiliano Bustos will be joining Montpellier from his Argentine club, the University of Santa Fe. He was an important player for Los Pampas XV in the sides Vodacom Cup championship, reguarly starting in the 3 shirt. His move to France is to be his second professional contract after previously playing in Italy for L'Aquila. He is the third Argentine player to have signed for Montpellier for next season. Hooker Agustín Creevy also joins following impressiver performances for Los Pampas XV and is tipped to be Los Pumas first choice hooker following the retirement of Mario Ledesma after the World Cup. Winger Lucas Gonzalez Amorosino has also signed for Montpellier. The trio will link up with what is already an impressive list of Pumas players at the club with loosehead prop Juan Figallo, inside centre Santiago Fernández and winger Martín Bustos Moyano all having been regular players in the recently completed season. All three started in the Top 14 Final.

 

[psychic duck]

good signing for Montpellier, a European team were bound to sign Bustos after his Pampas performances, he simply is too good not to play for a top European team,

I think Argentine rugby is gradually recovering after a disappointing 4 post WC years

they are in a much better place to replace their players who will retire after 2011, Ledesma (Creevy), Scelzo (Bustos), Contepomi (Fernandez), Roncero (Ayerza) all will be able to handover to good younger players

something that didn't happen after the retirements of Ignacio Fernandez Lobbe, Gonzalo Longo, Lucas Ostiglia, Ignacio Corleto and most importantly of all Agustin Pichot, plus combined with the permanent injury status of Hernandez

the replacements of these players were not good enough

 

[Melhor Time]

good signing for Montpellier, a European team were bound to sign Bustos after his Pampas performances, he simply is too good not to play for a top European team,

I think Argentine rugby is gradually recovering after a disappointing 4 post WC years

they are in a much better place to replace their players who will retire after 2011, Ledesma (Creevy), Scelzo (Bustos), Contepomi (Fernandez), Roncero (Ayerza) all will be able to handover to good younger players

something that didn't happen after the retirements of Ignacio Fernandez Lobbe, Gonzalo Longo, Lucas Ostiglia, Ignacio Corleto and most importantly of all Agustin Pichot, plus combined with the permanent injury status of Hernandez

the replacements of these players were not good enough

Fair point about the recovery but it has been a bigger case of player avaliability. For instance, Hernández and Contepomi haven´t played together since 2008. Leguizamón played only one November test in the 2008, 2009 and 2010 tours combined. Scelzo missed 18 months. Loads of players have missed games inc Albacete, Ledesma, Campos, Bosch, Camacho, Galindo and Carizza. All play for big clubs. For me the losses felt are only really three players - Pichot, Longo and Nacho Fernández Lobbe. Pichot gone is like Gotham without Batman. Longo has been well replaced by a better player in Juan Fernández Lobbe but with Leguizamon missing this has meant no player, up to standard has been on the side of the scrum. Some players to have gone have been replaced by better players. Manuel Contepomi for instance.

I think in 2012 the side should be really strong. In RWC 2011 too but the team lacks time together. Check out a sample side of players who weren´t in the 2007 side. The player on the right is in the same position and will still be around in 2012.

15 Rodríguez (Stade Français) / Agulla (Leicester)
14 Camacho (Exeter) / Caballo (Bordeaux Begles)
13 Bosch (Biarritz) / Tiesi (Stade Français)
12 San Martín (Aironi) / Contepomi (Stade Français)
11 Gonzalez Amorosino (Montpellier)
10 Fernández (Montpellier) / Hernández (Racing Metro)
9 Figuerola (Brive) / Vergallo (Toulouse)
8 Senatore (GER) / Leguizamon (Lyon)
7 Campos (Agen) / Fessia (Cordoba)
6 Galindo (Racing Metro) Fernández Lobbe (Toulon)
5 Vallejos (Harlequins) / Albacete (Toulouse)
4 Carizza (Biarritz) / Lozada (Edinburgh)
3 Bustos (Montpellier) / Orlandi (Racing Metro) and Scelzo will be playing for Agen if wanted.
2 Creevy (Montpellier) / Vernet Basualdo (Toulouse)
1 Figallo (Montpellier) Ayerza (Leicester)

With these players plus the regulars all fit its going to be a top side. Things haven´t been kind on Los Pumas in this regard recently. So many injuries. Bustos going to Montpellier will be really good for Argentina to have him play in the in the Top 14 and Heineken Cup. Not bad for Montpellier either!

 

[psychic duck]

Fair point about the recovery but it has been a bigger case of player avaliability. For instance, Hernández and Contepomi haven´t played together since 2008. Leguizamón played only one November test in the 2008, 2009 and 2010 tours combined. Scelzo missed 18 months. Loads of players have missed games inc Albacete, Ledesma, Campos, Bosch, Camacho, Galindo and Carizza. All play for big clubs. For me the losses felt are only really three players - Pichot, Longo and Nacho Fernández Lobbe. Pichot gone is like Gotham without Batman. Longo has been well replaced by a better player in Juan Fernández Lobbe but with Leguizamon missing this has meant no player, up to standard has been on the side of the scrum. Some players to have gone have been replaced by better players. Manuel Contepomi for instance.

I think in 2012 the side should be really strong. In RWC 2011 too but the team lacks time together. Check out a sample side of players who weren´t in the 2007 side. The player on the right is in the same position and will still be around in 2012.

15 Rodríguez (Stade Français) / Agulla (Leicester)
14 Camacho (Exeter) / Caballo (Bordeaux Begles)
13 Bosch (Biarritz) / Tiesi (Stade Français)
12 San Martín (Aironi) / Contepomi (Stade Français)
11 Gonzalez Amorosino (Montpellier)
10 Fernández (Montpellier) / Hernández (Racing Metro)
9 Figuerola (Brive) / Vergallo (Toulouse)
8 Senatore (GER) / Leguizamon (Lyon)
7 Campos (Agen) / Fessia (Cordoba)
6 Galindo (Racing Metro) Fernández Lobbe (Toulon)
5 Vallejos (Harlequins) / Albacete (Toulouse)
4 Carizza (Biarritz) / Lozada (Edinburgh)
3 Bustos (Montpellier) / Orlandi (Racing Metro) and Scelzo will be playing for Agen if wanted.
2 Creevy (Montpellier) / Vernet Basualdo (Toulouse)
1 Figallo (Montpellier) Ayerza (Leicester)

With these players plus the regulars all fit its going to be a top side. Things haven´t been kind on Los Pumas in this regard recently. So many injuries. Bustos going to Montpellier will be really good for Argentina to have him play in the in the Top 14 and Heineken Cup. Not bad for Montpellier either!

With Maximiliano Bustos and Agustín Creevy (Montpellier), Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro (Stade Français), Mauricio Guidone (Mont-de-Marsan), Matías Cortese (Gloucester) all signing pro contracts in Europe after playing for Pampas XV.

Do you have any predictions Melhor of other players from Pampas XV who will be signed up in Europe

my predictions are: Juan Imhoff, Nicolás Sánchez, Santiago González Iglesias and maybe Mariano Galarza are the most likely to be signed up by somebody

also my Pumas 2012 Tri Nations team prediction:

15. Martín Rodríguez
14. Horacio Agulla
13. Gonzalo Tiesi
12. Santiago Fernández
11. Gonzalo Camacho
10. Juan Martín Hernández (if fit)
9. Nicolás Vergallo/Agustín Figuerola
1. Marcos Ayerza
2. Agustín Creevy
3. Maximiliano Bustos
4. Mariano Galarza
5. Patricio Albacete
6. ?
7. Juan Manuel Leguizamón
8. Juan Martín Fernández Lobbe

Felipe Contepomi indicated he wanted to play in the Pumas opening season but I think Santiago Fernández should be ready to be first choice by then

 

[ZeFrenchy]

I've heard Senatore is very good, so perhaps he coul go at 8 and Fernández Lobbe at 6.

Also, Melhor, ahwt do you have to say about Francisco Tetaz? I just saw he signed for Paris. And about Guillermo Roan? He just signed for Wasps. Do you know the two of them?
Thanks.

 

[Melhor Time]

With Maximiliano Bustos and Agustín Creevy (Montpellier), Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro (Stade Français), Mauricio Guidone (Mont-de-Marsan), Matías Cortese (Gloucester) all signing pro contracts in Europe after playing for Pampas XV.

Do you have any predictions Melhor of other players from Pampas XV who will be signed up in Europe

my predictions are: Juan Imhoff, Nicolás Sánchez, Santiago González Iglesias and maybe Mariano Galarza are the most likely to be signed up by somebody

also my Pumas 2012 Tri Nations team prediction:

15. Martín Rodríguez
14. Horacio Agulla
13. Gonzalo Tiesi
12. Santiago Fernández
11. Gonzalo Camacho
10. Juan Martín Hernández (if fit)
9. Nicolás Vergallo/Agustín Figuerola
1. Marcos Ayerza
2. Agustín Creevy
3. Maximiliano Bustos
4. Mariano Galarza
5. Patricio Albacete
6. ?
7. Juan Manuel Leguizamón
8. Juan Martín Fernández Lobbe

Felipe Contepomi indicated he wanted to play in the Pumas opening season but I think Santiago Fernández should be ready to be first choice by then

From what I understand Leinster are interested in getting Mariano Galarza back. I saw on twitter that he was also rumoured to be in talks with an Australian Super Rugby team but I don´t know what happened there. He´s a really good player. Should go ahead of Manuel Carizza following game time for a pro side.

Nicolas Sanchez will be a pro in no time. Really talented. Better than over half of the flyhalves in Super Rugby. Would walk into France´s team to be on the bench covering Trinh-Duc and start for teams like Scotland and Italy tommorrow. He looks really, really promising.

Juan Imhoff should be off to a Pro d2 side. Rumoured to be in the sights of Albi.

The other two for me are backrower Tomás De la Vega and secondrower Santiago Guzmán. Guzmán had signed for Stade Français last season but missed out after injuring himself just before the season started. De la Veja is a rare propsect in that he is a genuine 7, something Argentina never produce. A young Mauro Bergamasco perhaps.

My 2012 Pumas = agree largely with you. Interesting Bosch no longer wants to play flyhalf. He is trying to remove Tiese from the 13 shirt.

15. Martín Rodríguez
14. Gonzalo Camacho
13. Gonzalo Tiesi
12. Santiago Fernández
11. Lucas Gonzalez Amorisino
10. Juan Martín Hernández
9. Agustín Figuerola
1. Marcos Ayerza
2. Agustín Creevy
3. Juan Figallo
4. Mariano Galarza
5. Patricio Albacete
6. Juan Martín Fernández Lobbe (Captain)
7. Alejandro Campos or Leonardo Senatore (if pro)
8. Juan Manuel Leguizamón

16 Alberto Vernet Basualdo, 17 Maximiliano Bustos, 18 Manuel Carizza, 19 Campos or Senatore, 20 Nicolas Vergallo, 21 Marcelo Bosch, 22 Horacio Agulla, 23 Guillermo Roan.

I've heard Senatore is very good, so perhaps he coul go at 8 and Fernández Lobbe at 6.

Also, Melhor, ahwt do you have to say about Francisco Tetaz? I just saw he signed for Paris. And about Guillermo Roan? He just signed for Wasps. Do you know the two of them?
Thanks.

For me Fernández Lobbe is a 6. Should play there. Leguizamón is always much more visbile playing 8 than 7 so should be there with possibly Senatore, Campos or Galindo playing 7. Senatore must be in the sights of a club - strange that nobody in France has signed him. Maybe Lyon or Bordeaux-Begles since nobody else can as the period for tranfers is closed.

I need to see more of Francisco Tetaz. He´ll be used much like Juan Orlandi for Racing Metro. Will be crucial for Stade Français in the international periods. Tetaz looks like being about 5th choice for Argentina at this stage. Guillermo Roan, ont the other hand, looms like he´ll make Los Pumas in 2012. A better chance than Orlandi. He could be the long term Argentina #17 with Juan Figallo and Marcos Ayerza taking over from Rodrigo Roncero and Martín Scelzo after NZ 2011. Roan was really good in the Vodacom Cup. An excellent workrate. Should really shine with London Wasps like Figallo has with Montpellier. Its going to be him and Roan pushing for places.

 

[psychic duck]

From what I understand Leinster are interested in getting Mariano Galarza back. I saw on twitter that he was also rumoured to be in talks with an Australian Super Rugby team but I don´t know what happened there. He´s a really good player. Should go ahead of Manuel Carizza following game time for a pro side.

Galarza needs a pro side, but didn't see much game time with Leinster last time with them, and I can see Leinster selecting worse Irish qualified players ahead of him such as O'Donoghue and Toner

Nicolas Sanchez will be a pro in no time. Really talented. Better than over half of the flyhalves in Super Rugby. Would walk into France´s team to be on the bench covering Trinh-Duc and start for teams like Scotland and Italy tommorrow. He looks really, really promising.

I didn't watch the Pampas XV win the Vodacom Cup, but I read that Nicolás Sánchez, Santiago González Iglesias were kicking machines for them

Juan Imhoff should be off to a Pro d2 side. Rumoured to be in the sights of Albi.

I haven't seen Imhoff play, but his stats are immense, leading Vodacom Cup scorer, he has scored 7 tries in 3 matches for Argentina according to scrum.com, (although against poor oppoistion), he sounds like a real finisher

De la Veja is a rare propsect in that he is a genuine 7, something Argentina never produce. A young Mauro Bergamasco perhaps.

yes, Argentina seem to produce too many inside centres who play outside centre (like Tiesi and Bosch), and too many blindsides who play openside, two positions Argentina need

also a player to look out for is Ignacio Rodríguez Muedra who I've read has got some real attacking flair

15. Martín Rodríguez
14. Gonzalo Camacho
13. Gonzalo Tiesi
12. Santiago Fernández
11. Lucas Gonzalez Amorisino
10. Juan Martín Hernández
9. Agustín Figuerola
1. Marcos Ayerza
2. Agustín Creevy
3. Juan Figallo
4. Mariano Galarza
5. Patricio Albacete
6. Juan Martín Fernández Lobbe (Captain)
7. Alejandro Campos or Leonardo Senatore (if pro)
8. Juan Manuel Leguizamón

16 Alberto Vernet Basualdo, 17 Maximiliano Bustos, 18 Manuel Carizza, 19 Campos or Senatore, 20 Nicolas Vergallo, 21 Marcelo Bosch, 22 Horacio Agulla, 23 Guillermo Roan.

why hasn't Amorosino been getting a look in at Leicester, he did well in 2009/10, but I don't like selecting players who are out of favour with their clubs, I would have Agulla above him, Bustos Moyano is like a replica Paterson, but Argentina don't need him unless Rodríguez is having a nightmare of a day with a boot

those are two small wingers though, would it be better to have a bigger more powerful wing combined with a smaller winger... (Juan Imhoff)

Felipe Contepomi would be better than Bosch, so would Sánchez

Maximiliano Bustos for Figallo (who can cover both sides), Galindo gets more game time at club than Campos (who has been released by Agen) so I would put him in there too, although ideally Tomás de la Vega could just be ready perhaps, if he's as good as you say he is

 

[Melhor Time]

Galarza needs a pro side, but didn't see much game time with Leinster last time with them, and I can see Leinster selecting worse Irish qualified players ahead of him such as O'Donoghue and Toner

True. Ireland has some really stupid rules for foreign players. Galarza was offered a deal to stay until the ned of the season but opted to go play for Los Pampas XV. In hindsight a great choice as h played lots and in doing so has gothis place at the RWC in the bag. Interesting that guys like Esteban Lozada (Edinburgh) and Tomas Vallejos (Harlequins) have been playing lots but have been out of favor.

I didn't watch the Pampas XV win the Vodacom Cup, but I read that Nicolás Sánchez, Santiago González Iglesias were kicking machines for them

If interested look at the highlights from all Vodacom Cup games on my blog. Just go down and look for Super Rugby on the right hand side - www.rugbyworldcup-argentina2023.blogspot.com Indeed both flyhalves were good.

I haven't seen Imhoff play, but his stats are immense, leading Vodacom Cup scorer, he has scored 7 tries in 3 matches for Argentina according to scrum.com, (although against poor oppoistion), he sounds like a real finisher

Really good. Quick and a great side-step. The tries are on the blog.

also a player to look out for is Ignacio Rodríguez Muedra who I've read has got some real attacking flair

Muedra is good but well down the list. Contepomi, Tiesi, Bosch, San Martín, Avramovic, Aramburu, etc. Good enough for a pro contract and will need one to break into Los Pumas.

why hasn't Amorosino been getting a look in at Leicester, he did well in 2009/10, but I don't like selecting players who are out of favour with their clubs, I would have Agulla above him

Two reasons.

1. Stupidity from Leicester
2. Ridiculous limit on imports in the XV

Amorisino is really quick and actually a natural fullback. Should have been 15 for the Tigers and wil for Montpellier who, coincidently, have been cleaning out their players in order for their three Argentine recruits to arrive. After playing Top 14 and Heineken Cup for Montpellier I´m pretty sure people will want him above Agulla. Nothing wrong with Agulla. A good player but may need to move to 13 to keep his place in Los Pumas.

Bustos Moyano is like a replica Paterson, but Argentina don't need him unless Rodríguez is having a nightmare of a day with a boot

I agree. He´ll make the squad of 30 for NZ 2011 but not feature in the 22 vs England or Scotland. Probably play as the kicker vs Georgia and come off the bench vs Romania. He´ll make the RWC squad HHe´ll make tyghhjhfgf

those are two small wingers though, would it be better to have a bigger more powerful wing combined with a smaller winger... (Juan Imhoff)

For the World Cup for sure. I´m banking on 14 Camacho, 15 Rodríguez, 11 Agulla. But for 2012 time for Amorisino to play more. he´s really quick and ideal to face Australia and New Zealand. Agulla perfect for South Africa.

Felipe Contepomi would be better than Bosch, so would Sánchez

Bosch gets on my bench to cover 12, 13 and 15. Contepomi is the better player but will be 35 for the 2012 Four Nations. Questionable selection for a back. Sánchez needs a pro contract. Until this happens he won´t make the Los Pumas squad. But I´d have him over some pro guys like Ignacio Mieres (Exeter).

Maximiliano Bustos for Figallo (who can cover both sides), Galindo gets more game time at club than Campos (who has been released by Agen) so I would put him in there too, although ideally Tomás de la Vega could just be ready perhaps, if he's as good as you say he is

Honestly I think they´ll go for 8 Lobbe, 7 Leguizamon, 6 de Acahaval which I dont want. Galindo is a good player for a tight match. Great blindside defense. Otherwise he is a Martin Corry or a Reuben Thorne as a ball carrier. i.e. painful to watch.

 

[snoopy snoopy dog dog]

I find it very hard to believe that Leinster wanted to hold onto Galarza. He was quite poor in his four cameos for the full team and anonymous on both occasions I saw him for the A side. He's not in the same class as Cullen, Hines and Toner and was arguably no better than Hogan and O'Donoghue.

 

[Feicarsinn]

Galazra was cack, never an international.

@Melhor Time
I don't think our rules regarding foreign players are 'stupid.' If Argentinian rugby were to go pro I'd expect to see similar restrictions in place. Elaborate please.

 

[superprop]

True. Ireland has some really stupid rules for foreign players. Galarza was offered a deal to stay until the ned of the season but opted to go play for Los Pampas XV.


1. Stupidity from Leicester
2. Ridiculous limit on imports in the XV

There not stupid they mean that with such a small playing base all our players get exposure from a young age.

 

[Melhor Time]

I find it very hard to believe that Leinster wanted to hold onto Galarza. He was quite poor in his four cameos for the full team and anonymous on both occasions I saw him for the A side. He's not in the same class as Cullen, Hines and Toner and was arguably no better than Hogan and O'Donoghue.

Pretty hard to judge a guy on such limited game and chances. He opted to leave for Los Pampas XV. Its all on record on scrum.com.ar Leinster were interested on him staying for the end of the season and he had the option of extention. He opted for guaranteed game time with the World Cup looming.

Galarza is better than Toner, no question there.

Feicarsinn

Any worker prohibited from doing his / her job because of a legal issue preventing one from working based on nationality is stupid. Galarza as a professional playing rugby in Ireland did not have the equal rights of an Irish player thus the rule is stupid. Utterly wrong to prevent a player from having equal rights based on where he / she was born and / or his elligibility on representing the country he plays in.

Should Argentina do the same thing I´d equally say its stupid. Look up my criticisms of Australia and New Zealand on doing this. Its ridiculous, inequal employment rights and most of all goes against the idea of the spirit of rugby and is clearly anti-sport.

The Magicman

A better thing to do for Irish rugby would be allow foreigners in, not necessary lots but nonetheless more than at present and work on making Connacht good. The side has been eternally crap. Ireland having four good sides rather than three would do far more for Irish rugby than by preventing Galarza, Wright and others from playing to their potential as equals with others playing rugby in Ireland.

 

[Feicarsinn]

Pretty hard to judge a guy on such limited game and chances. He opted to leave for Los Pampas XV. Its all on record on scrum.com.ar Leinster were interested on him staying for the end of the season and he had the option of extention. He opted for guaranteed game time with the World Cup looming.

Galarza is better than Toner, no question there.

Feicarsinn

Any worker prohibited from doing his / her job because of a legal issue preventing one from working based on nationality is stupid. Galarza as a professional playing rugby in Ireland did not have the equal rights of an Irish player thus the rule is stupid. Utterly wrong to prevent a player from having equal rights based on where he / she was born and / or his elligibility on representing the country he plays in.

Should Argentina do the same thing I´d equally say its stupid. Look up my criticisms of Australia and New Zealand on doing this. Its ridiculous, inequal employment rights and most of all goes against the idea of the spirit of rugby and is clearly anti-sport.

The Magicman

A better thing to do for Irish rugby would be allow foreigners in, not necessary lots but nonetheless more than at present and work on making Connacht good. The side has been eternally crap. Ireland having four good sides rather than three would do far more for Irish rugby than by preventing Galarza, Wright and others from playing to their potential as equals with others playing rugby in Ireland.

I guess we're going to have to disagree on a lot of issues. For me, the NIQ situation in Irish rugby is pretty much what it should be> Enough foreign talent is allowed in to fill any gaps while not holding back Irish players. The job of the provinces is to supply the national team, so allowing unrestricted signing of foreign players would be counter productive. Considering that the IRFU supply most of the provinces' finance, it's a situation that's not going to change. I can see where you're coming from though. As an Argentina fan, you want to see your players play at as high a level as possible and countries that restrict the possibilities of Argentine players getting game time must be very irritating.

As for Galazra being better than Toner, I saw no evidence for that during his time at Leinster. He did little in his time with the senior team and was equally unimpressive with the 'A' team as Snoopy eluded to. I don't think Toner was prefered to Galazra due to nationality tbh. Joe Schmidt had no problem picking Hines over Toner, Van Der Merwe over Healy, Strauss over Harris-Wright or Nacewa over some of the back three options. If he had been good enough he would have been in the 23. IMO he wasn't.

 

[thomond2006]

Is the Montpellier winger Bustos Moyano getting a look in with Los Pumas?

 

[snoopy snoopy dog dog]

Pretty hard to judge a guy on such limited game and chances.

He got limited game time and chances because he wasn't very good when given an opportunity. I'm not saying he's a bad player but he showed absolutely nothing in his short stint with Leinster. The fact that Joe Schmidt recruited two other second rows for the coming season (Steven Sykes and Damien Browne) rather than re-sign Galarza shows that the coaching staff didn't particularly rate him either. To be fair to him, coming to a new country at short notice where they speak a different language and when you're coming into a pro environment for the first time can't have been easy. Also, he's only 23 or 24 so he's nowhere near fully developed as a second row either.

 

[Melhor Time]

Looks like Maximilano will be in the World Cup squad as he is in the squad of 39 but Juan Orlandi is not.

Feicarsinn

Your ideas are great and certainly in the best interests of the Irish national sid e an Leinster. I do, however wonder bout folks in Galway. Connacht is a feeder team. Everything about it is wrong. A small stadium, good players always move to play for the other Irish teams and there is no intention of this changing. If things don´t go well for a few years for Irish rugby then they could be like the Borders. Ireland can certainly have four competitive sides, but not under the existing laws. Connact needs to have better players. Can they be found in Ireland? yes, without question; This, however would mean increased distibution of Irish players and the level of Munster and Leinster would not be as it is today. Thus, all four Irish sides should have more imported players. Pienaar for Ulster was the perfect thing to do. Contepomi for Leinster was too.

The only country that has truely grasped pro rugby in the world is France. Coincidently, or not, France is the only team to have been to the semi Finals of every World Cup since the game went pro. The league is easily the biggest on the planet and will be bigger in 2011-2012 with the two new sides being big French cities. Crowds are getting bigger, teams are getting richer and also better. Montpellier finalists was remarkable. Look at the XV from the final - Three players from Argentina, two from Georgia, two from Fiji. Three French international players too.

In Australia for instance the teams are never going to be good with the current rules. Going back not to long when there were only 3 sides the teams did much better. Today with five teams only the Melbourne Rebels can import players. The others can but in such a small quantity. The result is that since expansion the sides have dropped in competitiveness. The Western Force? The Melbourne Rebels? Both bad sides in Super Rugby. The Brumbies are a perfect explanation. They have gone from being second to the Crusaders to now being third in Australia and look like nothing compared to the Gregan-Larkham side. The Reds are good again as they´ve stacked themselves with the best Aussie players while other sides are left with few good enough for the RWC. There is a solution and its simple - allow more imported players. Obviously Australia doesn´t produce enough good players for five sides. Similar with Ireland having 4 sides. Two are very good, one good but could be better than the other poor.

Also, Tommy Bowe plays in Wales. Does this bother you?

One thing that I always tell my Kiwi friends who don´t want All Blacks playing in Europe or Japan and don´t want Pacific Islanders in the Super Rugby teams is sponsorship. The All Blacks are sponsored by foreign companies. il.e. Adidas, Iveco and Ford. The workers (players) have strict rules but we´ll take money from anywhere....

snoopy snoopy dog dog

I agree with you about the age. There is another factor overlooked, however. Teams are not going to give the guy on a short term deal game time over the others on long term deals. Galarza played little and didn´t do much for sure but hard for someone to standout when chances are slim.

Another example - Chauncey O´Toole for Glasgow. Was on a short term deal due to others being injured and given limted game time. He was much better than the Scottish players from the Warriors but the team wasn´t going to pick him over the guys avaliable since they will be there for the entire season. Possible Emertick with Ulster too. A better player than a number of Ulster players at centre or wing.

thomond2006

Yes, Martín Bustos Moyano is almost certian to make the Los Pumas squad for New Zealand 2011. He is in the squad of 39 players to train in the USA for a two week camp in July. The other players included who play wing or fullback are Horacio Agulla (Leicester), Lucas Borges (Albi) Gonzalo Camacho (Exeter), Rafael Carballo (Union Bordeaux Begles, France), Lucas Gonzalez Amorosino (Montpellier), Juan Imhoff (Duendes R.C) and Martín Rodruguez Gurruchaga (Stade Français).

Personally I think he´ll be included with the Pumas back 3 vs England to be 11 Agulla, 15 Rodríguez, 14 Camacho. The other two to make the squad, for me, would be Gonzalez Amorosino and Bustos Moyano. But neither in the match day 22. - I want only two backs on the Pumas bench to enable the selection of two props.

See the full list here: http://rugbyworldcup-argentina2023.blogspot.com/2011/06/40-final-candidates-for-argentina-rugby.html

 

[snoopy snoopy dog dog]

snoopy snoopy dog dog

I agree with you about the age. There is another factor overlooked, however. Teams are not going to give the guy on a short term deal game time over the others on long term deals. Galarza played little and didn´t do much for sure but hard for someone to standout when chances are slim.

It's not actually true though. Clint Newland signed on a 3 or 4 month deal played 12 times last season, starting 5 ahead of players like Jack McGrath and Simon Shawe who have longer deals. In the last three or so seasons Ollie Le Roux, David Holwell and Guy Easterby have been parachuted in on emergency deals (of a couple of months) and seen action in the Heineken Cup ahead of players already under contract with Leinster.

Chances were slim because he wasn't any use when he was given an opportunity. Maybe he'll come good and earn another move to Europe, he's certainly young enough and has the potential to improve. On the evidence I saw he seems like a poor choice for Leinster, although not quite as bad as the fat chancer of a prop, Juan Gomez who was truly appaling.

 

[superprop]

Connacht can't really be competitive because barely anyone there plays rugby. Carr, Keatley and Hagan are from the Leinster academy and Cronin is from Munster. Muldoon is their only big sucess.