PUMA PASSION WILL UP THE ANTE FOR TOURISTS, WARNS BARCLAY
THERE will be many among Gregor Townsend’s experimental Scotland squad who hold aspirations of forcing their way into the reckoning for next year’s World Cup and, in terms of an arena in which to prove themselves, it doesn’t come much tougher than what awaits them in Argentina on Saturday night.
Situated in the north-east of the country, the Estadio Centenario in the city of Resistencia will host Townsend and his men as they look to finish their summer tour of the Americas with a flourish.
The venue was opened just seven years ago, which might suggest a sense of modernity, but it is likely to be far removed from the comparative luxury of the Yokohama Stadium, where the Scots will begin their World Cup campaign against Ireland in front of a capacity crowd of 72,000 next September.
The Centenario can hold just about a third of that, but don’t expect it to be quiet. It may lack the state-of-the-art facilities and general opulence that has come to define modern sporting stadia, but its unpolished surroundings are still a thing of beauty.
John Barclay can appreciate it more than most, having toured Argentina — and beaten them — previously in 2008 and 2010.
As Scotland captain, his place on the plane to the Far East next year is, fitness permitting, pretty much guaranteed. For anyone who wants to join the party? Well, beating the Pumas in their own back yard would be a good way to start.
Of a rugby nation which offers no hiding place to tourists, Barclay said: ‘It is really different to anything you face elsewhere. It is really hostile, which I actually enjoy.
‘The crowd are passionate and get really incensed by the referee’s decisions. You don’t get that on quite the same scale in other countries.
‘There can be a lot of foul play going on and the crowd get really into the game. I actually like all of that. It’s different, but still something I enjoy.’
Barclay has recently joined Edinburgh, but, along with his absence from the Scotland tour, is unlikely to play for his new club this calendar year after rupturing his Achilles while playing for Scarlets in their Pro14 semi-final victory over Glasgow at Scotstoun last month.
Many of his Edinburgh team-mates will, however, be expected to feature against the Argentinians. He may be out of action, but that won’t stop the skipper from passing on some words of wisdom should any of them decide to lift the phone.
Recalling a 1-1 series draw in 2008 and a 2-0 whitewash of their opponents in 2010, Barclay continued: ‘We played really well back then. They were much higher than us in the rankings at the time, so it shows how well we played.
‘The guys on tour just now have the same kind of opportunity. I’m sure a lot of them will want to go to the World Cup, so we’ll definitely find out more about them in terms of how they deal with playing in such a hostile environment.
‘It’s just a tough place to play and the venues certainly aren’t the most glamorous. In one of those previous tours, I remember our team bus passing a horse and cart on the road outside one of the stadiums.
‘It’s just different to anything you experience elsewhere. But that’s why we love touring, going to places that are a bit different, not fancy with everything set up for you. It’s a great learning curve for the guys.
‘No disrespect, but it will obviously be a big step up from the game against Canada last week. Argentina are a very physical side who can also throw the ball around and can play some quick rugby.’
Barclay’s frustration at suffering such a serious injury is understandable. The sense of what Edinburgh might achieve under the guidance of head coach Richard Cockerill seems truly limitless and the addition of the national team skipper was only going to heighten excitement in the capital.
That he is unlikely to feature much — if at all — next season is undoubtedly a blow. But he certainly won’t be at a loose end in the meantime.
‘I have obviously just moved back here, so I am renovating a house in Edinburgh at the moment and trying to finish a dissertation for a university degree,’ said the 31-year-old flanker. ‘There is plenty to keep me busy.
‘This is different than when
I moved down to Wales — I know a lot of guys at the club, so it feels like I’m coming home.
‘I’ve had a chat with Cockers about different ways that I can still contribute to the group, even though I won’t be able to actually play.
‘The timescale is that I will, hopefully, be back for the Six Nations next year — but, with an injury like this, you just can’t rush it.
‘So, for now, I just want to help in any way I can. Both with Edinburgh and Scotland, the guys know I will always be willing to have a chat if they are unsure about anything.’
For those of a Scotland persuasion, the cauldron of the Centenario now awaits. As Barclay will testify, Argentina can be a hell of a proving ground.