Pumas’ quiet revolution

– With a year to go to the 2019 World Cup in Japan, Argentina’s Pumas are on the prowl, rejuvenated by their rugged former hooker Mario Ledesma (above).

Argentina had been little short of awful since the last World Cup, where they reached the semifinals for the second time.

They had managed just one single victory against a tier-one nation, Italy, in almost two years before the start of the Rugby Championship.

But the South Americans have developed a knack of saving their best for the biggest stage and their current form suggests they’re building up towards a major tilt in Japan.

With two matches left of the Rugby Championship, they’ve already broken new ground this season, winning two matches for the first time.

In six previous editions they had finished bottom of the pile five times, and in two of those they lost every match, including last year.

Argentina suffered a dire June campaign where they lost twice at home to Wales before being drubbed by visiting Scotland, conceding 10 tries and almost 100 points in total, after which Daniel Hourcade was replaced by Ledesma.

The team has bounced back in style.

“It’s a positive return, very positive. Something’s happening in this team, you can sense it,” said Ledesma 10 days ago, following a first victory in Australia in 35 years, and first such in the tournament.

“There’s a positive fever, and it’s contagious!”

Having also beaten South Africa 31-19 at home earlier in the tournament, Argentine spirits are high going into Saturday’s visit of the mighty New Zealand to Buenos Aires.

A first victory over the All Blacks is no longer a fanciful dream.

Ledesma honed his tough playing style in France, where he began his coaching career before developing it in Australia.

“He was fed on French and then Australian rugby. With him, Argentine rugby has a great future,” said Andres Courreges, a hooker for the Pumas in the 1980s. –

It’s a positive return, very positive. Something’s happening in this team.

Mario Ledesma Argentina coach