Los Pumas ready to upset Wallabies home Test

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With each team suffering losses in Rond One of The Rugby Championship, returning to your home base must be positive. Yet, the possibility that Los Pumas are ready to upset the Wallabies home Test, may add more shade to Australian rugby.

Only a possibility, since the South American team themselves suffered a closely-fought loss to the All Blacks, was still a setback for them. It will take as much for them to recover – but the impact of successive losses for the Wallabies might be felt more so, in front of their home fans in Brisbane.

As well, consider the limited opportunities for Australia in 2019. Chances for Michael Cheika and his team to demonstrate that they are going to be a force at the 2019 Rugby World Cup. This is because, after one loss, the chances are reduced of them claiming the TRC title.

It has seen selection changes, mostly from the home side, although Agustin Creevy has had to withdraw due to injury. The game is vital, as a step forward for Los Pumas and to react and to show some form by the Wallabies.

So when facing Argentina, a team who have gained in status at Australia’s expense over the last two years, it is time to face up to their critics.

Los Pumas ready to upset Wallabies home Test

Each Wallabies home test is important. In the same way for every rugby playing nation, but similar to Scotland, they are out to prove themselves. More so for Australia, who have claimed several Rugby World Cup crowns and Super Rugby titles. Proud and with a fighting spirit. So facing a challenge and performing to high standards are hoped for.

Hope though, is what the sentiment has too often been. Since their 2015 finals appearance, success has not come easy. So when the incoming Los Pumas side are talked about as genuine favourites, it rankles the Wallabies supporters.

For good reason. The men from Argentina are considerably more astute, professional, and an overall more difficult prospect. A ‘handful’ you might say but not to be insulting. Rankings do not satisfy the two sides abilities, and Los Pumas are closer – if not a shade better currently, than their SANZAAR partners, Australia.

That makes Saturday’s fixture an even more appetizing encounter. Los Pumas are ready to pounce, having the nations best-ever campaign in Super Rugby that has surely made them a formidable opponent. If the Wallabies are not the more aggressive team when the two sides meet again on Australian soil, they could be shaded yet again.

As the above tweet inferences, last year was a memory that Aussie rugby fans would rather forget. The 19-23 loss in 2018 must still be raw, so this Wallabies home test is important to rejuvenate support – and most importantly – interest from Australia sports fans.

Wallaby result could repair poor Public Relations

Sports fans are always attracted to success. It is no doubt that the Melbourne Storm rugby league team, Collingwood in the AFL, or Victoria in the Sheffield Shield domestic cricket competition, are as well supported because of their historic success, as they are of the week-to-week rigours of sport. Holding a trophy, and your last game’s outcome, is a barometer. So how many fans enter Suncorp Stadium with big expectations, is hard to judge.

Some will still have poor thoughts, a lowered view of the game; as a result of huge public outrage toIsrael Folau social media actions lead to Contract Breach notice social media messages, that resulted in Israel Folau being sacked [which is to be appealed]. Both sides of the argument clouded the sport, that unfortunately interrupted and somewhat clouded any improvements that the four Australian Super Rugby did make.

And it is that semblance of improvement, that results in The Rugby Championship, and the grand plans towards the World Cup are seen. Player development, boosting the culture and for the rugby-public to accept that they side are a better example, of the once mighty Wallabies.

Once were Champions. How long before that phrase can again be said by fans, stakeholders, and by the players, will only be seen in time. So by the time the final whistle is blown, the team could pair poor public relations, as well as aiming to face the All Blacks, in the next Wallabies home test match on August 10, in Perth.

Australia v Argentina – Saturday July 27, Suncorp Stadium

 

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