The strange 2020 leaves one of the surprises of international rugby.
Argentina has beaten
the powerful New Zealand
for the first time in the history of this sport
(15-25) and has done so on its return to the great competition after the fiasco in the 2019 World Cup, in which it did not reach the quarterfinals, and 13-month hiatus due to the coronavirus.
An unexpected but not surprising triumph if you only take into account what happened on the field.
The Pumas came out extremely concentrated, they were more forceful, they practiced a very solid rugby.
They were better.
His compatriots celebrate it.
The Argentine team had arrived in Australia - where, this year without South Africa, the tournament that brings together the southern powers is held - divided into two groups.
On the one hand, the players who reside in their country, l
astrated by many months of confinement
.
On the other, those who are active as professionals in European clubs, who had not been called up in the last World Cup;
his selection accused him.
Although due to sanitary regulations the two 'bubbles' could only meet less than a month ago, in the field they worked without cracks.
It was mandatory to face the All Blacks, much more shot in a premier league during the summer and in four international meetings in recent weeks against Australia.
Rugby never allows a break, not even for the considered best players on the planet.
Nor did the All Blacks appear on Saturday willing to concede it.
The loss a week ago to Australia forced coach Foster to plant all his starters on the pitch.
In front,
the Argentine squad exhibited order and strength at the beginning.
A very tight defense, with winning tackles and determination to scrape any ball on the ground.
Despite their traditional tendency to hyperrevolve,
the Pumas did not derail in the discipline
: they reached the limit but were careful not
to go overboard
in an ostentatious way.
A containment exercise.
They kept the ball and took advantage of the infractions to be adding points with the foot of Nico Sánchez.
Except for the tie at three, the All Blacks were always behind.
The Argentine game, with a resounding lead and very short supports,
avoided the open game that favors the talent of the New Zealander so much
.
The Pumas were managing the times and the field when a short kick from Sánchez to follow, taking advantage of the referee's advantage, surpassed the oceanic defense and ended up being picked up by the opening itself to rehearse under sticks and open the score to 3-13.
The conquest strengthened the Americans.
Again more focused, they quickly took a blow in favor to advance at a tended gallop and assault the rival mark.
They stayed within a foot but remembered again who was dominating.
3-16 at halftime, and New Zealand puzzled.
His attacks were not linked, the balls were lost in the hands or in the
ruck
, the line did not have meters to run either.
The Argentine consistency lasted in the second half.
Supported the first arreón, the American fifteen, very powerful in contact and well led by Captain Matera and by his means, he mounted a platform that advanced many meters and came to caress the test.
Another warning.
From
maul
to
maul
, in the opposite 22, New Zealand finally found the axis and the push to land the ball.
With 10-19 and just over 20 minutes ahead, the question was deciphering how long the resistance of the Pumas would hold up.
If until then they had been full of physical power, in the final section they resorted to the score, to kicking the box to remove the pressure from their defensive zone.
To the points at the foot of Nico Sánchez to breathe: 10-25.
The imposing New Zealand force, already launched into a total offensive, was transformed into precipitation.
For the All Blacks, on a day as black as their jersey, nothing came out anymore.
In the countdown of the clock Argentina found some breath.
He received an essay (15-25) but finished in a big way.
With tears in his eyes for a triumph that rugby fans will remember.
It is hasty to draw conclusions in the medium term from the seasons that follow the World Cups.
It would be an adventure to predict immediate changes in this world order of
the new normal.
But the All Blacks, who are starting a new stage with coach Foster, have lost two games and have drawn another of the five played since returning to activity.
That usually translates into pressure.
Even if they did not win this tournament they will undoubtedly continue to be one of the dominating references in rugby.
For the Argentines, led by Mario Ledesma, the opposite happens: even if they lose all the other matches of the match, they will never forget this day.
The future?
Today they celebrate the present.
Argentina national team celebrates its first victory over New Zealand David GrayAFP
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