There should not have been many Argentinian supporters who believed in such a World Cup. Especially on September 9, after a defeat against England (27-10) for the first match of the competition after a bout of rugby, although played in numerical superiority for 77 minutes. But the Pumas are there, in the semi-final this Friday evening against New Zealand at the Stade de France (9 p.m., TF1). And after the Irish green tide, Saint-Denis should be covered in the sky and white with the fervent “hinchada”.
Argentina, 8th nation in the World Rugby rankings, is there. Not Ireland, nor France. The first explanation is found in the draw for the group stage, carried out in November 2020, notably on the basis of the results acquired during the 2019 World Cup. Eliminated from the groups, behind England and France, the Pumas are going through a delicate period, which the cessation of competitions due to the Covid-19 pandemic cannot modify. And “luck” places Argentina in Group D with England, Japan, Samoa and Chile, the weakest of the tournament.
After the initial defeat against the XV de la Rose, the Albiceleste had three successes, the most convincing of which came after a controlled second period against Japan. In the quarter-finals, it’s time for Wales, who advance as favorites. But the selection of Michael Cheika created a surprise by finding a touch of madness against the anesthetized Welsh (29-17). “We always believed in ourselves,” says captain Julian Montoya. We know we worked hard. The group knew they were ready, they just had to adjust a few details. This is how we get back up in these difficult times. »
Two wins in 36 matches against New Zealand
Semi-finalists in 2015, the Pumas have since experienced more downs than ups, with the Argentine Federation bearing the brunt of the failures of a policy of nationalization of its rugby. By creating the Jaguares franchise, integrated into Super Rugby (championship between clubs in the southern hemisphere) from 2016 to 2020, it wanted to lay the foundations for its selection and prevent the exile of its players to Europe or Oceania. . But faced with changes in the format of Super Rugby and financial difficulties, everything changed in 2020 with the disappearance of the Jaguares.
The current selection includes 12 players playing in France, 8 in England, others in New Zealand, Italy or Scotland but only one under contract with an Argentinian club. All coached by Australian Michael Cheika, 2019 World Cup finalist with the Wallabies. A team that looks a lot like that of 2007, third in the World Cup organized… in France.
“We want to write our own history, that of the Pumas 2023, and that of 2007 is another page in the rich history of Argentine rugby in the World Cup. But this team will write its own history,” says Felipe Contepomi, current assistant coach and fly half of the Pumas in 2007. Winner of New Zealand for the only times in its history in 2020 (25-15) and 2022 ( 25-18), Argentina believes in its lucky star. A few months after the coronation of his football team and Lionel Messi in Qatar, the dream is allowed.
