Get Newsletter

VIDEO: Argentina boss predicts bleak future

Argentina coach Mario Ledesma and Wallaby Drew Mitchell interview

SPOTLIGHT: Argentina’s fate as a Rugby Championship nation is uncertain and the Jaguares’ slot in Super Rugby is at risk, Pumas coach Mario Ledesma admitted Friday.

ADVERTISEMENT

A decision by world champions South Africa to pull out of the upcoming Rugby Championship in Australia over complications caused by the coronavirus sparked speculation they could walk away altogether.

It followed their move to withdraw most of their teams from the southern hemisphere’s provincial-level Super Rugby in favour of Europe’s PRO14.

And with Australia and New Zealand discussing a trans-Tasman version of Super Rugby, Argentinian rugby finds itself in a precarious position.

“At this point there is a lot of uncertainty in every competition. I don’t know what Australia’s doing, New Zealand’s doing, whether they’re linked together or playing apart,” Ledesma said in Sydney.

“What we know is it’s a really difficult situation for us because if South Africa go north and you guys [Australia and New Zealand] play [Super Rugby] between each other, I don’t know what that leaves us.”

*Article continues below…

ADVERTISEMENT
Video Spacer

Ledesma, who has just emerged from a mandatory 14-day quarantine period after the team’s arrival in Australia, said Argentina was examining all options to keep the players competitive.

“With this pandemic, it’s so dynamic and changing all the time,” he said. “Today the situation is what it is and tomorrow it’s going to be what it is and we’re going to have to adapt.

“And if there is no competition for our boys they will look for competition elsewhere I guess.”

ADVERTISEMENT

European clubs are a likely option. Argentina have 13 Europe-based players in their squad for their games against the Wallabies and All Blacks in the rebranded Tri-Nations.

Argentina are the heavy underdogs heading into the tournament, which starts on October 31, having not played a Test since the World Cup in Japan last year.

In contrast, Australia and New Zealand are battle-hardened after two bruising Bledisloe Cup games which followed high-quality domestic seasons.

Ledesma said his squad was “humbled” to simply be in Australia.

“Just representing the jersey in the best way possible and not taking a backward step and fighting all the time,” he said of their expectations ahead of their opening game against the All Blacks on November 14.

“It’s difficult to know where we’re at because we haven’t played in so long. But we are preparing to give a good run to Australia and New Zealand.”

Video Spacer

 

Join free

Yokohama Canon Eagles vs Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo | Japan Rugby League One 2024/25 | Full Match Replay

Edinburgh vs Glasgow | Celtic Challenge 2024/25 | Match Highlights

Boks Office | Episode 31 | Investec Champions Cup Review

Global Schools Challenge | Day 2 Replay

The Backyard Bunch | The USA's Belmont Shore

AUSTRALIA vs USA behind the scenes | HSBC SVNS Embedded | E04

South Africa v France | HSBC SVNS Cape Town 2024 | Men's Final Match Highlights

Two Sides - Behind the scenes with the British & Irish Lions in South Africa | E01

Write A Comment