Pumas halfback feels his family’s pain
Tomas Cubelli’s father came within one knock- on of a historic first rugby test victory over the All Blacks three decades ago
Pumas halfback Tomas Cubelli knew from a young age what beating the All Blacks would mean to Argentinian rugby.
His father Alejandro, a 21- test hooker, was a central figure in a famous Pumas moment when they almost snatched victory on fulltime over New Zealand at Buenos Aires in 1985. At 21- 21, Argentina’s famous scrum surged towards the tryline, only for their No 8 to knock on the ball.
“My father said the scrum pushed forward, he could see the tryline and only three more steps were needed,” says the 50- test Cubelli.
“He was waiting for the crowd to cheer a try . . . he turned back and saw the referee signalling a knock- on and couldn’t believe it. He went straight to the dressing room . . . he was so disappointed.”
Argentina are still waiting to beat New Zealand, but have gone close, including at the River Plate Stadium in 2001 when Scott Robertson’s injurytime try saved the All Blacks. Tomas, his brother Francisco — a halfback who had a couple of games for Argentina in 2009 — and Alejandro were in the 70,000 crowd when a stray clearing kick allowed the All Blacks to strike. As the boys dealt with the frustrating defeat, Alejandro recounted his own experience of being close, but yet so far, against the All Blacks.
Cubelli, who played for the Brumbies this year, is the odd man out in the current Pumas squad as the only overseas- based player.
After the Jaguares were admitted to the Super Rugby competition, Argentina followed New Zealand’s lead by stipulating that test candidates must play at home, although they gave dispensations to any Super Rugby player.
Cubelli wanted to challenge himself under different conditions and coaching, and hopes a few of his countrymen will follow his lead.
He says the eligibility rule works because the Pumas are all at the same stage of the season and, with almost all the squad training together at the Jaguares, they can be more “ambitious” on attack.
Cubelli will face his test mates next season when the Brumbies play the Jaguares for the first time, meaning divided loyalties for his dad.
“I believe the game is in Buenos Aires — he will support his son, he must,” laughs Cubelli, who will play off the bench in tonight’s test in Hamilton.
More importantly, Cubelli would love to deliver a win over the All Blacks for his dad, whose own father started the family’s rugby tradition while working for an English school in Buenos Aires.
That impressive heritage includes Alejandro managing the 2011 World Cup squad in New Zealand.
A strong 2015 World Cup showing, where they attacked with aplomb, and two recent wins against South Africa — including one last round — suggest the Pumas are firming as members of rugby’s top echelon.
“We were expecting to win [ in Argentina] and we made it happen,” said the 27- year- old Cubelli, who is studying to be an architect.
On the chances of victory over the All Blacks, Cubelli says: “I think we can play a good game this week but whether we can win depends on what the All Blacks bring to the game.
“Sometimes in the past, Argentina has been close to big victories and lost in the last 10 minutes. Soccer fans turn the TV on and say that we are losers again. But we have learned our lessons . . . beating South Africa has made people think differently.
“We work to win very game. We will try to go to the field not expecting anything against the All Blacks, but just give our best and keep working. One time, it will happen.” expose a major All Black weakness — an inability to defend lineout drives.
Creevy isn’t getting carried away with that success 14 months ago, despite seeing it as an important weapon if done correctly.
“We have to have a good lineout before we can make a good maul,” Creevy points out in a clear reference to the All Blacks’ ability to steal and disrupt ball in that area of set piece play.
“We know that that gave us good results in Christchurch last year, but first we must have a good lineout.”
Even though he was speaking in Spanish, the emphasis on the word “must” was impossible to miss.
That determined tone changes quickly to respect when asked about opposing hooker Dane Coles, who happily states that Creevy is the best hooker in world rugby.
It’s an admiration that is clearly reciprocal.
“He’s an excellent player and has shown that over some time now,” Creevy says.
“It’s going to be really nice to play against him, as I really respect him as a player.”
It’s a match- up that would be made even more enjoyable from an Argentine perspective with a slice of history heaped on the side.
Agustin Creevy
and fleet of foot, gaining a game- high 94 metres.
Northland were in the contest for most of the first half, but two yellow cards caused a numerical disadvantage which proved fatal to their hopes of achieving their first win since 2014.
The win temporarily vaults Bay of Plenty into the semifinal spots on the Championship ladder, but McMillan will still want to see defensive improvement, with his troops having conceded at least 25 points in every game. Bay of Plenty 52 ( Jesse Parete 2, Joe Tupe 2, Terrence Hepetema, Isaac Te Aute, Te Rangi Fraser tries, penalty try; Kelly Haimona 6 cons). Northland 25 ( Waisea Lawebuka 2, Matt Talaese tries; Peter Breen con, 2 pens, Daniel Hawkins con). HT: 19- 11.