RWC 2007 South Africa v Argentina
Preview of the 2nd Semifinal of the Rugby World Cup 2007
Oct 10, 2007
This game is looking like being a real power battle. Argentina have come into the tournament with a lot of self-belief and a game plan well suited to their large and technically strong forward pack. Their pack’s complete game is being hailed as world class and interestingly, for years the only thing to be feared from the South Americans was their scrummaging. This is no longer the case. The forwards are relentless in every aspect of the game and the backs, led by the kicking of Felipe Contepomi and Juan Martín Hernández (both recently shortlisted with three others for the IRB player of the year) compliment this power-based strategy perfectly.
With most of their lineup plying their trade in Europe, they are well acclimatised to top notch rugby and will not be intimidated by the aggressive South Africans. Various opposition players have commented on the difficulty in playing against the Pumas when you spend the majority of the game in your own half. Although they may not win accolades from running rugby enthusiasts, it cannot be argued that they are effective at what they do. They control the ball with precision and waste no effort in containing the opposition.
This all out effort may be starting to show its drawbacks however. Captain Agustin Pichot was quoted by the BBC as saying that his team was definitely feeling tired and showing the effects of tough games against France, Ireland and Scotland. The Pumas only just held off a strong finishing Scottish team and one wonders what might have been had the match run for another 15 or so minutes. With a week to prepare however don’t be surprised to see them looking as fresh as ever come Sunday.
The Argentines will start as crowd favourites and while victories against three of the Six Nations teams show a lot of class, this game will truly test the teams ability to play the big time matches.
South Africa will look to take it to the Argentines early. They will play their trademark rough-around-the-edges style and look to use aggression and size to counter the Pumas at what they do best. The battle in the forwards is going to be immense. Whichever team gets on top up front will definitely have the match swing in their favour.
South Africa’s advantage probably lies in their backline. Although not as adept at kicking, if given space, the South African backs have the speed and flair to score tries from anywhere on the field. Once the initial war of attrition up front has calmed down, the Springboks will try and incorporate Percy Montgomery and particularly superstar Bryan Habana into the game. Given any amount of space, Habana is almost sure to make huge gains out wide.
The game is possibly a preview to what the future holds for the Tri-Nations competition. Argentina are screaming for regular high class rugby and if they manage to stun the rugby world again with a victory then it has to be asked ‘how can they be denied?’
Only one thing is certain about this contest – it will be fierce and rugged. Whichever team comes armed with heart and soul and isn’t afraid to put in the hard work up front may well see themselves on the cusp of a shot at the World Cup.
Prediction: South Africa by 10
Further information regarding the Rugby World Cup including lineups, results and stats can be found at the official site for the tournament.
Preview of the 1st semifinal featuring England and France.
Review of this match.
