BLUES YOUNG GUN IMPRESSES FOR WALES
WALES were a long way from home in San Juan, they were off the beaten track, they were up against an Argentina side comprised of 23 Jaguares players who have been in inspired form of late in Super Rugby.
“The same team with another coach and another shirt, against Wales,” read the headline in one newspaper.
The hosts were not only familiar but boasted stacks of Test experience. Wales were experimenting. This was supposed to be an uncomfortable experience.
Warren Gatland’s side were allegedly walking into a hostile atmosphere. However, you could hear the players communicating with each other from 50 metres away over the din of countless conversations taking place – usually a sign of disinterest among punters. On three sides of the stadium, the fans sat on concrete terraces – you are able to stand at this venue for some events – but excitement in those who were lucky enough to have seats will have been short-lived. A thick layer of dust was there to greet them at their perch.
This may be an open ground, but atmosphere was at a premium, and the dust was not to blame for that.
This new-look Welsh side, who were doubted by many ahead of this one, can lay claim to silencing the locals.
At the break, Warren Gatland’s men boasted just 39% possession and had spent the majority of the half defending their own line. But they would not roll over and instead, clinically, mustered two tries of their own through James Davies and George North.
For all their huff and puff, the Pumas only had three points to shout about, despite repeated assaults on the Welsh line. Events not exactly conducive to generating an atmosphere.
The loudest the stadium got was when Argentina had a first-half consolation try disallowed by referee Andrew Brace.
The stadium itself is unlike many you’ll find on the international circuit around the world.
Situated around six miles to the south of San Juan city, this is a concrete bowl plonked in the middle of nowhere. Nothing overshadows it, nothing surrounds it, though in the distance you can spy the Andes from the top of the stands.
Traffic was heavy on approach before kick-off, not because of an overly large crowd but more likely the quality of the roads.
A new road is being built in the vicinity, turning the surrounding areas into little more than a building site, yet 23,200 still made the trip and that’s not to be sniffed at in a part of the country where football dominates the agenda.
The stand on the far side wasn’t full at the kick off, leaving for a relatively disappointing sight, though it filled up as the half progressed. Difficulty getting to the venue, perhaps?
At night, in the city itself, stray dogs take over and one had even made its way into the ground, hoping to catch a glimpse of the Pumas’ first victory in their first game of the year, no doubt.
The canine wasn’t the only one who was expecting to see the hosts win.
The bookmakers had written Wales off and even the most hardy of Wales fans out here on the other side of the world would have been hard pressed not to harbour a shred of doubt.
This relatively inexperienced pack was supposed to get bullied, destabi-
lising any sort challenge Gatland’s boys would mount.
On the contrary. Claiming just his second cap, James Davies was Wales’ standout player, proving a nuisance throughout and claiming a number of turnovers.
Young Dillon Lewis, who was under significant pressure beforehand given the stress the Welsh scrum was expected to be under, was brilliant throughout and also played his part in stopping Argentina in their tracks and winning penalties at the breakdown.
‘Predictions, eh?’ beamed one Welsh Rugby Union staff member has he bumped into the travelling press pack after the game.
In his post-match press conference, Gatland was careful not to wear too big a smile but nobody would have begrudged him it. This was a gamble, it could have been a disaster, but suddenly Wales now look as though they’re developing exactly the right kind of strength in depth.
Next week, though, Gatland’s men face a new challenge. Every city they visit in Argentina will ask its own unique questions.
Many of this squad have never played in places where the seats are dusty and dogs walk among fans.
And on the field, they will be facing a backlash. You know what they say about wounded animals.
But for now, they should enjoy this victory that so few saw coming.