O
O'Rothlain
Guest
France 12 Argentina 17
I personally did not expect France to lose this match. Not that I doubt the strength of Argentina or underestimate them. It was presumed that France would, as they have in their warm up matches, prove to be the better team. Clearly, though, they didn't show up to this match like they should have. Did they underestimate the Argies? Or, were Los Pumas just too good?
As the match started, one could see the heart of the Argentinians was directly on their sleeve. They are in France to prove something. They are one of the Rugby Super-Powers and should be respected as such. France looked confident as hosts and hopefuls of the tournament. However, they quickly looked stunned, and that didn't really change throughout the match.
Hernandez was clearly in a world of his own, as he proved to be top class. Where was the skill of the Frenchmen? Who would initiate the "French Flair?" By 28 minutes into the game one had to wonder "What am I seeing?" Argentina are clearly beating the French. Maybe it was just me? But I doubt that. A stupid pass from Remy Martin intercepted, and the scoreline is now France 3 Argentina 14.
I was expecting France to emerge from the halftime break on fire. However they looked the same. They did slowly begin to build up, however and started to show the flair of which everyone gushes. "Oh mon Dieu!" The Argies hit back hard. Every great break the French made los Pumas defended. They defended so well that by 61 minutes Skrella was out injured and on comes Michalak. Could he regain his former form and make something amazing happen? Uhm, yeah, it didn't happen.
Finally an answer to my prayers, Chabal is on the pitch. To quote RTÉ's postings, "Chabal is in one man wrecking ball mode." Despite his tackle breaking and sheer power, France could make nothing happen off of his efforts.
Fortunately this game kept you on your seat's edge as even down to 80 minutes France had the chance to come back. When the final whistle was blown I couldn't help but be filled with respect for Argentina. They played like champions. Great defenense and they punished France for their mistakes. It was a great opening match for the World Cup, unless that is, your name is Laporte.
I personally did not expect France to lose this match. Not that I doubt the strength of Argentina or underestimate them. It was presumed that France would, as they have in their warm up matches, prove to be the better team. Clearly, though, they didn't show up to this match like they should have. Did they underestimate the Argies? Or, were Los Pumas just too good?
As the match started, one could see the heart of the Argentinians was directly on their sleeve. They are in France to prove something. They are one of the Rugby Super-Powers and should be respected as such. France looked confident as hosts and hopefuls of the tournament. However, they quickly looked stunned, and that didn't really change throughout the match.
Hernandez was clearly in a world of his own, as he proved to be top class. Where was the skill of the Frenchmen? Who would initiate the "French Flair?" By 28 minutes into the game one had to wonder "What am I seeing?" Argentina are clearly beating the French. Maybe it was just me? But I doubt that. A stupid pass from Remy Martin intercepted, and the scoreline is now France 3 Argentina 14.
I was expecting France to emerge from the halftime break on fire. However they looked the same. They did slowly begin to build up, however and started to show the flair of which everyone gushes. "Oh mon Dieu!" The Argies hit back hard. Every great break the French made los Pumas defended. They defended so well that by 61 minutes Skrella was out injured and on comes Michalak. Could he regain his former form and make something amazing happen? Uhm, yeah, it didn't happen.
Finally an answer to my prayers, Chabal is on the pitch. To quote RTÉ's postings, "Chabal is in one man wrecking ball mode." Despite his tackle breaking and sheer power, France could make nothing happen off of his efforts.
Fortunately this game kept you on your seat's edge as even down to 80 minutes France had the chance to come back. When the final whistle was blown I couldn't help but be filled with respect for Argentina. They played like champions. Great defenense and they punished France for their mistakes. It was a great opening match for the World Cup, unless that is, your name is Laporte.
