Jerry Glasier lives in New Zealand where the only religion is rugby. He is currently playing premier club rugby and has helped do scouting for the Hawkes Bay NPC team, now under ex-coach Kieran Keane. Glasier also represented Hawkes Bay at age group basketball. Despite this weekend's loss to the All Blacks, the Pumas look promising for next seasons Rugby World Cup.
Despite the internal turmoil in the ranks of Argentine Rugby, they are definitely a team to watch. In the three home tests they have played so far this international season, they have whitewashed Wales two games to nil, and narrowly lost to the All Blacks by six points.
The first test against Wales was a narrow win 27-25. A Juan Manuel Leguizamon try was allowed that was a bit controversial, but secured the win for Argentina.
The second test was all one-way traffic, as Argentina smashed Wales 45-27. The score line flatters Wales a bit as they were down convincingly at halftime, and managed to score 27 points despite having hardly any possession during the match. The second test win vaulted Argentina over Wales in the IRB world rankings.
Home field and the crowd almost got the Argentines over the All Blacks in the third test, as they narrowly lost 25-19. The Pumas led 16-15 at halftime, but the All Blacks defence held them to only three second half points.
Argentina is a rugby nation not to be taken lightly as they have all the abilities in their squad to be as good as any nation on their day, especially at home.
So let's hope that the ARU (Argentine Rugby Union) and the players sort out their problems so we can see what a focused Argentina can do at the next Rugby World Cup.