The Argentinian odyssey came to an end tonight when they were well beaten by a clinical South Africa. The final score flattered the Boks though, as fourteen of their 37 points came from two intercept tries.
Sadly, Argentina found themselves up against not only the might of the Springboks, but also themselves. The Pumas’ play was littered with errors, and they needlessly coughed up possession and field position from knock-ons and poor kicks. They were their own worst enemies at times. There was one incident where Ledesma thought that a kick from a South African boot had gone over the touchline, and he gathered the ball to take a quick throw-in. It turned out that the ball was actually still in play, and by taking it over the touchline himself, he gave South Africa a line-out in the Argentinian 22.
Argentina still have one more game to play, as they are meet France in the 3/4 place playoff on Friday night, for a reprise of the opening match of the tournament. Win or lose, Argentina can hold their heads high leaving this World Cup. Reaching the semi-final was a major achievement for a team that has no regular annual tournament.
South Africa march on to meet England, a team they beat 36-0 in the pool stages, in the final. They are now the overwhelming, red-hot, unbackable favourites to lift the Webb Ellis.
Categories:
