Argentina had a disappointing campaign compared to the success of four years ago, reaching the Semi Final and exciting everyone for the flair of outside backs away from the traditional grunt of the Pumas. The last 4 years have hardly been a cake walk, but with key results, including victories against Australia and South Africa there was a hope the ‘Pumas’ would be a world cup side.
However, things started badly for the Pumas in what was termed a knock out game against Les Bleus. This was followed by a game against England where not much happened having been in the game initially meant they met the eagles, looking to avenge a poor tournament and make amends for some poor moments.
Given the context and background to the match it is no surprise that Argentina put the eagles to the sword. However it is not the scoreline but the amazing transition and the ability to really exploit the USA that was impressive.
Take this example from the 70th minute. A USA box kick pins Argentina in the 5m Channel, this means they are forced to spread it in-field. This allows USA to get good pressure and forces Tuculet to carry hard in the middle of the field.
As you can see the carry splits the US defence. This means that the US line tightens and Argentina are able to leave a winger in the 15m channel, this forces US to make a decision. While it is not a rapid attack that breaks the line, the carry from Tuculet is slightly angled and the ability to split the defence opens it up for Second Phase attack.
As Argentina spread the ball from the ruck they are able to isolate a tired US defence. MacGinty wants to push and stop them breaking outside. However the Number 8 on the inside is flagging meaning that MacGinty can be cut open and the Argentines get an easy opportunity which they duly converted.
However it was not just the tries, which were a positive from such a penetrating attack. The ability to convert any surprise possession to attack allowed them to make ground and pin the US back.
The US obviously don’t help themselves, but the physical strain put on players no doubt doesn’t help. This break in 16th minute as you can see stems from a broken defensive line. It is not that one player is athead and there are two lines in cover, but that the US haven’t got a complete spread.
When most Tier 1 teams kick, they’ll have a shooter putting immediate pressure while a second line covers the rest of the pitch. In this case however, the faster Outside backs have pushed rapidly whilst the inside defence has created a stagger.
This means that Argentina can break up field with the closest cover being forwards. This means that Argentina basically get free territory and if not for the superman dive from Scully they would almost certainly scored. The play instead ends with a US scrum in their own 22 having being applying pressure on Argentinas 22.
However, it was not just from kicks that Argentina were able to dismantle the US eagles. The defense forces a mistake as Macginty tries to spread the ball. The Argentine defence coming up in an umbrella forcing the US to hit a hard inside angle. A tackle from Argentina, perhaps early, forces a knock on. But whilst the US stop to either appeal the tackle or expecting the scrum, the Pumas flick a switch.
The ball fortunately bounces into the covering Argentine’s hands. This means that he is coming with momentum able to exploit the outside edge of an already tired Eagles defence. The realisation of space and his positive movement keeps the opportunity alive.
The kick in behind exposing a lack of cover from a US side, committed to attacking with phases. Luckily for the US it bounces into touch rather than Teo having to play and get out of his 5m channel. The Argentine attack caused problems like this throughout the game.
About 70% of Argentinas attacks from their own half finished in the US half. While this seems impressive, when coupled with a scoring rate of over 30% when in the US half, it shows the Pumas teeth. They were able to tear free and on almost a third of their opportunities convert to points. This game showed the depth Argentina have and it will be interesting to see how they develop. While USA had a poor tournament unable to record a win, 2019 was not about success but building and getting ready for something better. MLR is going to increase their skills exponentially, and increased interaction with Rugby they will only get better.
The Analysis Guy 