New-look Wales bid to emulate success of ‘99
ALEX BYWATER talks to the Welsh coaching duo hoping for more glory days in Argentina
JUNE 1999 and as Wales become the first Northern Hemisphere side to win in Argentina, halfback partners Rob Howley and Neil Jenkins are the driving force behind the success.
Nearly two decades on, the two men are back to take on the Pumas, this time as coaches alongside Wales boss Warren Gatland. In that time, Argentinean rugby has come on leaps and bounds.
The South Americans – as they always have and always will be – remain tough, uncompromising and with a fearsome set-piece. They are, though, as Howley and Jenkins both acknowledge, far from a one tricky pony. Wales – with their star men at home – face two tricky Tests in the next fortnight.
“In 1999 we were the first Northern Hemisphere side to win in Argentina, we were working under Sir Graham Henry then,” Howley told The Rugby Paper.
“We played in Buenos Aires and they certainly asked questions of our strength in depth. Argentina were a very good team at the time, very strong up front, and they had Agustin Pichot at scrum-half.
“It was a memorable win for us, historic, and hopefully we can replicate that this year. We went on to beat them at the World Cup and I’m really looking forward to going to Argentina. There is added pressure on the players to keep producing the goods with some of the senior guys absent.”
Wales sealed a 36-26 victory over Argentina in the first Test in Buenos Aires in 1999 with Jenkins kicking three conversions and four penalties.
A week later, the pair were at it again, Howley’s leadership at the base saw him get the better of Agustin Pichot as he cajoled his men to a 23-16 success. Jenkins excelled again with five penalties and a drop-goal. “From my memory I always remember Argentina being incredibly tough. They’re physical, uncompromising, and run hard to win the collisions,” Jenkins said.
“The venues there are more football orientated, but the atmosphere is fantastic and it’s an amazing place to play. It was a long time ago now, but I enjoyed it when I played there so from my experience the rugby will be very tough.
“Argentina are going to be physical, there is no doubt about that. I’ve watched the Jaguares in Super Rugby this season against the Blues and the Chiefs and to go to New Zealand and win those two games is a very good achievement.
“If you look at Argentina over the last few years they’ve come into the Rugby Championship and now they’ve got a side in Super Rugby too. They’ve tried to evolve their game, they’re playing a lot more with ball in hand, and they’re showing off their skills as well.
“They’re going to be very dangerous, but the boys will enjoy that I’m sure.”
Wales have won five of their last six meetings against Argentina, all of which have been in Cardiff. It’s a different story in a country known best for Tango, red meat and red wine.
In 2006 a Wales side including Shane Williams, Lee Byrne, Mike Phillips, Adam Jones and a young Alun Wyn Jones were beaten 2-0, the second game of that series a 45-27 thrashing.
That side was close to full strength, but this time it’s different. Gatland has left all of his British & Irish Lions – save George North and Ross Moriarty – at home to rest for next year’s World Cup.
After clashing with South Africa in Washington, Wales’ young pack will certainly have to step up to take on the Pumas. The presence of Scarlets props Rob Evans and Samson Lee should help. “Argentina will be tough as they always are and you have to go back a long way since we’ve won a tour there,” said Ellis Jenkins, right, Wales co-captain this summer alongside Cory Hill.
“They’ve stepped up the world rankings a lot in the last ten years or so. They’ll be tough, especially in their own backyard and the majority of their team have been playing together for a while. “It’ll be tough for us and that’s why we’ve spoken about having a limited preparation time and making the most of every session we have. It’s certainly going to be different. “I’ve never been to Argentina, all I’ve heard is the steak is decent down there!” The Buenos Aires-based Jaguares are flying high in Super Rugby, sitting in second place in the South African Conference. Their rise is only going to be of benefit to the national side. Pumas boss Daniel Hourcade is certainly confident, claiming his men are in “unbeatable” condition. The presence of back row ace Pablo Matera and former Toulon play-maker Nicolas Sanchez – who is expected to call the shots from No.10 – adds fuel to his claims, but full-back Joaquin Tuculet is missing from the 30-man squad with anterior cruciate damage.
“With the way the Jaguares are playing at the moment, Argentina are going to be very dangerous,” Howley said. “They’ll be smarting from the disappointment of their last home series against England and we’ll be ready for a response from a side that’s going the right way.
“With a World Cup around the corner both teams will be desperate to impress.”
Wales can certainly win in Argentina, but they’re up against it in one of the most formidable rugby nations on the planet. When push comes to shove, it will be fascinating to see which of the next generation sink or swim. Howley and Jenkins did the latter as players and Gatland’s young guns will be aiming to follow suit.