Argentina’s Pumas Showcase Growth in Narrow Defeat to England

Argentina’s national rugby team, the Pumas, demonstrated their growth and resilience during a closely contested match against England at Twickenham, ultimately falling short with a score of 27-23. This match was part of the ongoing Autumn Series, where both teams entered the field unbeaten. The result highlighted Argentina’s journey since their bronze medal win at the 2007 Rugby World Cup, which continues to inspire their current players.

Former Puma, Tomas de Vedia, who was part of the 2007 squad but not selected for the current World Cup in France, reflected on the enduring impact of that generation. In a column for La Nacion, he recounted the emotional moment when Agustin Pichot and Juan Martin Hernandez, known as “the Magician,” embraced after their semi-final loss to South Africa. De Vedia noted that while reaching the semi-final was a significant achievement, Pichot and Hernandez were deeply aware of the missed opportunity to become world champions.

De Vedia emphasized the belief that has fueled Argentina’s rugby evolution over the past 18 years. He pointed out that the team has learned to diversify their gameplay rather than relying on individual players or specific strategies. Regular matches against the southern hemisphere’s elite teams have contributed to this growth. Nonetheless, the challenge remains in improving performances against northern hemisphere teams, particularly England.

Close Contest at Twickenham

In their recent encounter, Argentina faced England, a team they have struggled against historically, winning only one of their last twelve meetings. The match showcased a more competitive Pumas side, as they came closer than in previous fixtures, including two home losses earlier in the year. Both teams entered the match ranked third and sixth in the world, respectively, and the competitive atmosphere was palpable until the final moments of play.

Pumas captain Julian Montoya addressed the team’s performance, particularly in the first half, where England built a 17-3 lead. “Unfortunately, we weren’t so precise at certain moments, especially in the first half, when we had possibilities at five meters and we couldn’t turn it into points,” Montoya stated. He acknowledged that these missed opportunities became crucial as the match progressed.

Despite the setback, Montoya expressed optimism about their performance. “But I think we played a very smart game, where we wanted to position ourselves, where we had opportunities, where we could play rugby. I think it will help us to learn, to improve, to keep growing,” he added.

Head coach Felipe Contepomi echoed Montoya’s sentiments, noting that the team had executed their game plan well, particularly in the first half. “We just had to adjust that… keep the game plan until the last minute, so that we could get an opportunity. And that’s how it was,” Contepomi explained.

As both teams set their sights on the upcoming 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia, the Pumas’ performance against England serves as a reminder of their progress and potential. The match not only showcased their competitive spirit but also underscored the importance of belief in their journey as a rugby nation. As they move forward, the Pumas aim to build on this experience and continue their quest for excellence on the international stage.