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'This is an abject failure for NZ rugby' - How Twitter reacted to Los Pumas seismic win over the All Blacks
Much of the Northern Hemisphere rugby world woke up this morning to the shock news that Los Pumas had beaten the All Blacks for the first time in their history.
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It was Argentina’s first test in more than a year – following on from the defeat of the US at the 2019 World Cup – but they made an electric start in Australia with Stade Francais flyhalf Sanchez dotting down in the 19th minute after collecting his own chip to dive under the posts.
A couple of penalties from Sanchez, together with a resolute Los Puma’s defence that repeatedly contained the All Blacks, and it started to seem like an upset could be in the offing.
A try apiece for captain Sam Cane and winger Caleb Clarke wasn’t enough for the All Blacks to claw the game back and Mario Ledesma’s men hung on a memorable victory at the Bankwest Stadium. Like Ireland’s first win over New Zealand in 2016 in Chicago, it marks a notable upward shift for Los Pumas, who can truly now sit at world rugby’s top table as genuine equals.
The rugby community on Twitter went into overdrive, of course.
Congratulations to Argentina on their first every victory over the All Blacks. Emotions are running high ? #NZLvARG FULL TIME 25 -15 pic.twitter.com/p6pSDPraD9
— Sky Sport NZ (@skysportnz) November 14, 2020
It's your night tonight Argentina, congratulations. #NZLvARG pic.twitter.com/gKFfL1bHv0
— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) November 14, 2020
Matera: “We’re used to this. Everything is hard in Argentina…we want to show people that if you fight and you work hard, you get what you fight for.”
Matera: “We’re used to this. Everything is hard in Argentina…we want to show people that if you fight and you work hard, you get what you fight for.” #NZLvARG
— Beth Newman (@bethknewman) November 14, 2020
Full strength @AllBlacks
COVID smashed underprepared Argentina.
This is one of the biggest wins you will ever see.
Tears from the Argies. This is moment of a lifetime stuff.
25-15 win!!! #NZLvARG
— Ben Kimber (@benkimber) November 14, 2020
The ‘feels’ hitting the Argentina players was a sight to behold. Pumas head coach Mario Ledesma getting choked up with emotion at the final whistle, well, had everybody getting choked up:
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Pure emotion ?
?Watch #NZLvARG: https://t.co/srZbAcJls8
? Live Blog: https://t.co/JIaiVbfIyC
?Match Centre: https://t.co/QM9poQLwfn pic.twitter.com/5vMIrRuqVx— Fox Rugby (@FOXRUGBY) November 14, 2020
Many questioned why the Springboks chose to not compete in this year’s Tri Nations, with the undercooked Pumas more than a match for the All Blacks. “Argentina’s performance today makes a mockery of the Springboks not wanting to travel for The Rugby Championship because they haven’t played since the world cup.”
Argentina's performance today makes a mockery of the Springboks not wanting to travel for the The Rugby Championship because they haven't played since the world cup. #NZLvARG
— Mark Gottlieb (@MarkGottlieb) November 14, 2020
This video from Los Pumas detailing how they prepared for the game while in lockdown goes viral:
So this is how you prepare to beat the All Blacks…
Awesome stuff @lospumas #NZLvARG pic.twitter.com/iZT3gIAzTd
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) November 14, 2020
The general mood was one of overwhelming joy for Los Pumas, combined with a good deal of hand wringing from All Blacks fans and New Zealand pundits.
https://twitter.com/AndyGoode10/status/1327534736626098178
https://twitter.com/bensmithrugby/status/1327527511429849089
Just a phenomenal game of rugby.
Fantastic win @unionargentina..#NZLvARG
— Brett McKay (@BMcSport) November 14, 2020
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Wow watching the last 20mins of All Blacks v Pumas game. Fair play Argentina, defence has been immense in this last 20. All Blacks look to be making too many little errors! Well done Pumas
— Mike Tindall (@miketindall13) November 14, 2020
If you aint got nothing nice to say keep it moving. They tried their best & on the day the Pumas played better and deserved the win. Its that simple.
— Lima Sopoaga (@LimaSopoaga) November 14, 2020
The happiest man in Australia right now ?
? record v New Zealand with Los Pumas #NZLvARG pic.twitter.com/FE8j21aPcj
— Jared Wright (@jaredwright17) November 14, 2020
2020 just keeps on giving.
Comments on RugbyPass
The value he brought to the crusaders as an assistant was equal to what he got out of being there. He reflected not only on the team culture but also the credit he attributed to the rugby community. Such experience shouldn’t be overlooked.
3 Go to commentsGood luck Aussie
10 Go to commentssmith at 9 / mounga 10 / laumape 12 / fainganuku 14
39 Go to commentsBar the injuries, it’s pretty much their top team …
2 Go to commentsDon’t disagree with much of this but it appears you forgot Rodda and Beale, who started at the Force on the weekend.
10 Go to commentsExcept for the injured Zach Gallagher this would be Saders best forward pack for the season. Blackadder needs to stay at 7, for all of Christies tackling he is not dominant and offers very little else. McNicholfullback is maybe a good option, Fihaki not really upto it, there was a reason Burke played there last year. Maybe Havilli to 2nd five McLeod to wing. Need a strong winger on 1 side to compliment Reece
1 Go to commentsTo me TJ is clearly the best 9 in the competition right now but he's also a proven player off the bench, there's few playmaking players who can come off the bench as calm and settled as he is, Beauden can, TJ can and I doubt any of the scrumhalves in contention can, if they want to experiment with new 9s I want him on the bench ready to step in if they crumble under the pressure. The Boks put their best front row on the bench, I'd like to see us take a similar approach, the Hurricanes have been doing similar things with players like Kirifi.
39 Go to commentsROG has better chance to win a WC if he starts training and make himself eligible as a player. He won’t make the Ireland squad but I reckon he may get close with Namibia (needs to improve his Afrikaans) or Portugal. Both sides had 1000:1 odds to win the RWC in 2023 which is an improvement on ROG’s odds of winning a RWC as a coach. Unlike Top 14 teams, national teams can’t go shopping and buy the best players - you work with the available talent pool and turn them into world beaters.
3 Go to commentsthat backline nope that backline is terrible why would you have sevu Reece when he’s not even top 5 wingers in the comp why have Blackadder when there’s better players no Scott barret isn’t an automatic the guy is more of a liability than anything why have him there when you have samipeni who’s far far better
39 Go to commentsAh, good to find you Nick. Agree with everything about Cale. So much to like about his game
50 Go to commentsNot too bad. Questions at 6, lock and HB for me. The ABs will be a lot stronger once Jordan and Roigard return. Also, work needs to be made to secure Frizzell back for next season and maybe also Mo’unga; they’re just wasting time playing in japan
39 Go to commentsOn the title, i wonder for many of those people it is a case something like a belief in working smarter, not harder?
1 Go to commentsForget Sotutu. One of those whose top level is Super Rugby. Id take a punt on Wallace Sititi Finau ahead of Glass body Blackadder.
39 Go to commentsI’m a pensioner so I've been around a bit. My opinion of SBW is he is an elite athlete and a great New Zealander and roll model. He has been to the top and knows what he's talking about. To all the negative comments regarding SBW the typical New Zealand way, cut that tall poppy down.
17 Go to commentsI'm not listening to a guy moralise over others when this is the guy who walked out mid season on Canterbury RLFC when he had a contract with them, what a hypocrite. All the Kiwis sticking up for this unprincipled individual because they can't accept justified criticism, he has zero credibility or integrity. Those praising him are a joke.
17 Go to commentsI’d put Finau at 6 instead of Blackadder but that’s the only change I’d make. Can’t wait to see who Razor picks.
39 Go to commentsTamati Williams, Codie Taylor, and Same Cane? Not sure about Hoskins Sotutu at test level. Wasn’t that impressive last season. Need a balance between experience and talent/youth.
39 Go to commentsInteresting insight. Fantastic athlete, and a genuine human being.
17 Go to commentsThey played at night in Suva last weekend and it’s an afternoon game forecast for 19 degrees in Canberra this weekend. Heat change is a non issue.
2 Go to commentsWishing Rosie a speedy recovery
1 Go to comments