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As the Springboks did last year, Argentina illustrated the value of harnessing the power of a patriotic cause in Saturday’s impressive victory over the All Blacks, he writes CRAIG LEWIS.
In a year that has been so affected by the pandemic, the magic moments have been few and far between, as the rugby landscape has undergone a fundamental change.
But in that context, it was a pleasure to see Argentina create a bit of history on Saturday, as they gallantly secured a first win over the All Blacks in the 30th meeting between the two sides.
It was a performance of passion and precision, but also of deep emotion, as evidenced by the tears that welled up from players, fans and coaches after the match.
After more than 400 days without Test action, and with its preparations heavily interrupted due to the pandemic and positive tests in its camp, Argentina had been discarded by many, as evidenced below.
Argentina had other ideas 😂#NZLvARG #Trinationspic.twitter.com/eCkm3aAkLA
– SA Rugby Magazine (@SARugbymag) November 14, 2020
However, Argentina is made of harder material, and this fact was best demonstrated by the heroic captain Pablo Matera during the first exchanges.
A smug brawl had broken out between the players, with Matera stepping in after seeing one of her players on the receiving end slapped across the face.
After listening to the referee, Matera pointed under his jersey badge and emphatically declared: “It is not respect, I am playing for my country, that is not respect!”
This moment said it all! pic.twitter.com/Vyuqma3LNy
– SA Rugby Magazine (@SARugbymag) November 14, 2020
It was a powerful moment that offered the first idea that Argentina was playing for much more than a rugby result.
It was about giving hope to his compatriots at home, since the South American country has been one of the most affected by the pandemic.
This forced the country to lock in and also made Argentina’s preparations for the Tri Nations extremely challenging, but they saw the opportunity to honor the Los Pumas jersey.
WATCH: How they trained Pumas in quarantine
As Matera explained after Saturday’s game, the performance was aimed at bringing hope to people at home, showing them what can be achieved with ‘hard work’ and inspiring young players who are currently unable to play due to blocking restrictions. .
It’s the kind of motivating factor that was recently shown in the Springboks World Cup documentary. Chasing the Sun, where Rassie Erasmus spent much of the last week reminding players of their responsibility to bring hope to those struggling in South Africa.
Ultimately, the Springboks possessed an incentive that was intangible to others, but immensely significant to them. What followed was a resounding victory over England, followed by a remarkable trophy tour that best illustrated how many people had been inspired by Bok’s triumph.
For Argentina, it was clear on Saturday that they were driven and fired by a greater cause, and the end result was an inspiring and emotional victory that reminded us of the power of sport.
LOOK: Emotional coach of Argentina: it was unreal
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