Tri Nations rugby: Argentina accused of ‘dirty little tricks’ in draw with Wallabies

Argentina should be the favorite of world rugby, after overcoming the obstacles of the pandemic to achieve a historic victory over the All Blacks.

But its poignant story is getting worse with its prominent captain Pablo Matera at the center of the storm.

Matera has been widely criticized for pulling the hair out of Wallaby’s hooker Brandon Paenga-Amosa during the boring 15 Tri-Nations draw with the Wallabies in Newcastle.

And an Australian writer has raised the tension even further, accusing the Cougars of running a dirty trick campaign.

Julian Linden, in the Daily Telegraph, wrote: “Discipline remains Australia’s biggest problem. The Wallabies still give away too many stupid penalties and get rid of possession by pushing passes that don’t go off.

“Worst of all, they keep biting the bait and retaliating for the off-the-ball incidents that explode in their faces.

“The Pumas get a lot of praise for their passion, but they deserve a lot of sticks for their dirty little tricks, which include hair-pulling, kicking players and shamelessly lying on the ball.

“The Wallabies know it, but they keep falling into the trap every time and it cost them dearly at Newcastle.”

The specter of a spiteful comeback fight between the All Blacks and Pumas in Newcastle arises on Saturday.

All Black veteran hooker Dane Coles was heavily criticized for losing his cool against the Pumas, conceding a penalty for reversing after slapping an opponent in the face. And the once invincible All Blacks are shaken under pressure, something all opponents will play in.

Argentines are using a pampering game suited to their strengths and weaknesses that increases the chances of bad blood flowing in their matches.