Los Pumas player ratings vs Spain | Rugby World Cup warm-ups
Los Pumas player ratings: Argentina put on an impressive display against Spain at the Civitatis Metropolitano in Madrid, leaving their opponents chasing shadows throughout the match played in high temperatures and high pace.
Here’s how we rated Argentina:
1. Joel Sclavi – 8/10
Sclavi anchored the scrum with authority, providing a platform despite brave resistance from a doughty Spanish scrum. His work rate around the park was decent and he found himself on the scoreboard as a result.
2. Agustin Creevy – 7
The veteran’s experience shone through as he led the forward pack with gusto. His lineout throwing was on point, and he was a force to be reckoned with in open play despite his advancing years.
3. Eduardo Bello – 7.5
Bello’s scrummaging was pretty much flawless, putting the Spanish front row under immense pressure at times. The 120kg Newcastle prop showcased no little athleticism with dynamic ball carries that set the tone for Argentina’s attacking momentum.
4. Guido Petti – 8
Petti’s dominance in the lineout and his physical presence in the tight exchanges were pivotal. He consistently punched holes in the Spanish defence and got over the ball well.
5. Pedro Rubiolo – 7.5
A more than solid outing. Rubiolo’s work rate and commitment were evident as he tirelessly get through a mountain of work. His contributions in rucks and mauls didn’t go unnoticed.
6. Rodrigo Bruni – 8
With Pablo Materia missing, Bruni had to put on a show, and he did. His relentless tackling and breakdown expertise disrupted any chance of the hosts creating anything like a rhythm, allowing Argentina to maintain a vice-like grip on the game.
7. Marcos Kremer – 8.5
A brute among men, he dominated the breakdown and showcased his abilities as a no-nonsense threat with ball in hand. His powerful ball carries and his high-end physicality stood out.
8. Facundo Isa – 8
Isa impressed, as he consistently made ground with his ball carries. The 29-year-old’s link-up play with the halfbacks was crucial in maintaining Argentina’s attacking shape and he claimed a try off the back of a rolling maul that the Spaniards couldn’t repel.
9. Tomas Cubelli – 8
Cubelli’s snappy service and decision-making at the base of the ruck kept the Spanish defenders guessing. His ability to dictate the tempo of the game was key to Argentina’s fluid attacking movements and his score just before halftime was fully merited.
10. Nicolas Sanchez – 8
A near-flawless kicking performance from Sanchez, who controlled the game superbly, admittedly off an armchair ride from a super-dominant forward pack.
11. Mateo Carreras – 8.5
An awesome display in the Spanish capital. Carreras showcased his electric pace and agility, consistently beating defenders at will. Scored his latest international try in the 29th minute.
12. Santiago Chocobares – 7.5
Chocobares’ distribution and line-breaking ability added significant flair to Argentina’s backline. His partnership with Moroni outside him created opportunities that Spain struggled to contain in the first half.
13. Matias Moroni – 7.5
Moroni’s defensive work was top-notch, shutting down any attempts from Spain to break through the midfield. Another Newcastle player, the centre may not have had the toughest day at the office but was pretty ruthless nonetheless.
14. Rodrigo Isgro – 6
Isgro’s positioning and support play were noteworthy, allowing him to capitalize on the team’s attacking movements, even if he didn’t find his way onto the scoresheet here.
15. Juan Cruz Mallia – 8
Another try scorer, Mallia’s counter-attacking prowess was on show as he exploited gaps in the Spanish defence. His solid positioning at the back ensured a reliable last line of defence, although he was rarely tested here.
REPLACEMENTS – 8.5
The substitutes injected fresh energy into the game and maintained the high standard set by the starting line-up. Jeronimo de la Fuente and Santiago Grondona stood out, although Grondona left the field limping badly. Martin Bogado was also on fire.
Comments on RugbyPass
It’s going to be Scott Barrett. He’s the coaches mate and captain of a previously elite team. Ardie a great option but scooter has worked with the coach and Ardie still as big a leader as needed.
22 Go to commentsI commend Colin Scotts bio All Balls. He was the first Aussie to make it to NFL. But he was poached and did a full apprenticeship at the University of Hawaii. He was 130kgs surfed played 1st grade cricket etc. big guy by normal but not NFL standards and a top athlete. Even then the nfl were picking up Tongans and Samoans for their natural size and explosive power. They want explosive power not cardio from the big boys so a guy like Taniela Tupou would have been good if picked up young enough. He has fast twitch and they’d bulk the little lad up and give him something to do. soccer teams set up academies and look for Over Sara’s talent eg Messi was at Barcelona since a teenager and harry kewell went to Leeds as a teenager like 16 or something.
11 Go to commentsThe article alludes to the fact that this isn’t about picking a captain. But picking a great captain. So who would make for a great All Black captain - not just an obvious or safe shoo-in? I’m not sure Ardie’s the guy and Barret doesn’t stand out either.
22 Go to commentsI guess we may all agree on the fact, that the ABs and Boks are the two in contest for No 1 in rugby history (the triple-A sort of) …. the Wallabies, England and France are the next tier, with Ireland being the new kid in town (AA) …. in my view it makes little sense creating imaginary competitions (unless you have too much time to waste)
44 Go to commentsWhat a joke. Total joke and the pundits commentating, all of whom know a bit about the game, could barely disguise their contempt. Reaching for the card then pulling back when he realised a red card would carry further match suspensions is simply not his decision to make. A clear and obvious influence on the outcome of this match and indeed, the championship path.
4 Go to commentsI like the idea, in NZ the Ranfurly Shield and NPC coexist, both having their own bragging rights. The World Cup would be the pinnacle, but the competition and travels of these trophies would be interesting.
44 Go to commentsDon’t worry Sonny bill Williams leave that awkward situation about the curfew in the pass whoever it was it doesn’t matter its no big deal we back our All Blacks through the storm and the thunder until we see the Sun light again.
42 Go to commentsWho listens to this retard? He was a massive liability as a player but obviously a media sensation
42 Go to commentsI’m not surprised by such ‘virtue signalling’ by Sonny Boy. Butter wouldn’t melt in his mouth. He’s such a pious Islamic muppet, imo.
42 Go to commentsI’ve actually never heard of the guy (then I don’t watch League as it is boring). But if he is good enough.. then good luck to him. If not, well, he can always return to league.
2 Go to commentsIt is pretty clear that by almost any measure that NZ are a more successful rugby nation than South Africa. Quite aside from the distasteful events during the last RWC final. NZ lead SA in all significant measurements.
44 Go to commentsDickson went to his pocket for a card, saw who it was, changed his mind and spoke at length to TMO. One angle clearly shows Care diving over a Saints player to kill the ball. 1st yellow, reason given for not Red was player was falling backwards. He was only falling backwards after contact with Lawes. Graham try should have stood. Mitchell did not have both hands on the ball, ball went forward from a Saints boot dragging over it. 2 intentional knock-on's. One of which had an overlap on the outside. If Quins are happy to win by intentional foul play, then it does not say much for them. Would appear to be a bad day for Karl Dickson, also for the RFU in appointing a Ref who spent 8 years as a player at one of the clubs.
4 Go to commentsLet’s not forget about Ardie Savea just yet.
7 Go to commentsThe URC and the Euro Championscup can’t run at the same time, basically dilutes both competitions.
2 Go to comments“While Sotutu should start at No.8 for the All Blacks against England, but it’s only in that arena that he can prove just how good he really is.” And that my friends is where simply hasnt shone despite multiple opportunities. Even in this performance you can see what did him in in the test arena..he almost always still runs at the opposition almost ramrod upright making him easier to stop than it should be.
7 Go to commentsShould have been 0-0 and a message from SR CEO to both teams - “don’t worry about turning up next year”.
4 Go to commentsGreat work Owen Franks. A great of this team, scoring his first try for the Crusaders since 2010.He was beaming, justifiably. A fine win, he and the rest did the job up front.
1 Go to commentsDanny Care. Lang in die tand.
1 Go to commentsBig empty stadium does nothing for atmosphere but munster are playing well with solid performance
1 Go to commentsYes, Fiji can win the World Cup! With that belief plus their christian faith🙏 and hard work it is achievable. Great article. Ian Duncan Fiji resident 1981-84
2 Go to comments