Argentina’s stunning last-gasp victory over Australia in the Rugby Championship has left coach Michael Cheika cautiously optimistic about the team’s prospects in the upcoming World Cup. While Cheika was buoyed by the landmark win, he acknowledges that there is still a lot of work to be done before the tournament kicks off.
The Pumas secured a thrilling 34-31 victory over the Wallabies in Sydney on Saturday, marking their first-ever consecutive wins against Australia. The win has ignited hopes that Argentina could face the Wallabies in the World Cup quarter-finals in France. However, Cheika remains grounded and believes it is too early to look that far ahead.
Cheika, who took over as Argentina’s coach last year, said, Every game in itself is a new game. I mean, there’s a lot of teams that we haven’t been able to beat yet that we are still going to have to beat in that (World Cup) environment.
Although the win against Australia is a significant achievement for Argentina, Cheika understands the challenges that lie ahead. He praised the improvements shown by his team but emphasized the need for continued growth and development. Argentina has been drawn into World Cup Group D with tough opponents like England, Japan, Samoa, and Chile, making their path to the knockout stages even more challenging.
The victory against Australia showcased Argentina’s resilience and determination. Despite falling behind 10-0 early in the game, the Pumas rallied to dominate territory and possession. They made only 80 tackles compared to Australia’s 200, demonstrating their defensive strength. Additionally, Argentina excelled at the breakdown and conceded fewer penalties, highlighting their discipline and control.
Cheika described the win as a landmark moment for Argentina, especially considering that they achieved it without playing their best. He expressed his satisfaction with the team’s progress and hoped to carry that momentum into the coming weeks.
However, the coach also acknowledged their faults, particularly their ill-discipline in the first half that cost them dearly. Cheika remains optimistic that with continued hard work and togetherness, Argentina can address these issues and improve further.
Argentina’s next challenge will be an arduous clash with the reigning world champions, South Africa, in Johannesburg on 29 July. The match will test the Pumas’ mettle as they strive to build on their success against Australia and continue their upward trajectory.
As the World Cup draws nearer, Argentina must stay focused and keep refining their game to compete against the top rugby nations. While the win over Australia has undoubtedly boosted their confidence, it will take sustained effort and improvement to make a mark on the global stage.
The upcoming World Cup promises to be an exciting and fiercely contested tournament, with teams from around the world vying for rugby glory. Argentina, led by coach Michael Cheika, will have to navigate a challenging path if they hope to make a significant impact. The victory over Australia has certainly raised expectations, but as Cheika wisely reminds us, every game is a new challenge, and there are still formidable opponents to face on the road to the World Cup quarter-finals.
Argentina’s journey in the Rugby Championship has given them vital experience and shown their ability to overcome challenges. The team will take these valuable lessons into the World Cup, knowing that more hard work lies ahead. With the right blend of determination, discipline, and improvement, Argentina has the potential to make waves in France and leave a lasting impression on the global stage of rugby.
