Pumas speak the lingo of success
Argentines so incredible they’re translating orders on top of starring, says Bennett
MARK BENNETT has hailed Edinburgh’s Argentine aces’ role in making the Gunners the talk of the United Rugby Championship.
Mike Blair’s men put in one of their best performances of the season so far to see off Cardiff on Saturday and go top of the table.
South American summer signings Emiliano Boffelli and Ramiro Moyano were once again outstanding as Gunners gave the Welsh side the Blues.
That helped the Scots go four points clear of Irish giants Leinster at the summit.
And Scotland centre Bennett says the two Pumas are as good for morale off the pitch as they are on it.
He said: “They’re brilliant. I love playing with them.
They’re great guys on and off the field.
“You see what they bring on the pitch. They are quality, quality players and their work in the back three is excellent.
“I know it’s a few weeks ago now, but against Saracens Emiliano was shouting to Ramiro in Spanish and he was translating it straight away to me in English.
“That in itself is incredible, never mind the actual performance they were putting in on the pitch.”
Moyano got Edinburgh up and running with their first try after five minutes.
Countryman Boffelli scored the second soon after to ensure Cardiff were always on the back foot.
Bennett and James Lang also scored before half-time to ensure the bonus point.
While the second half was dull by comparison, Bennett had the last word with his team’s fifth touchdown a few minutes before the end.
Boffelli added a penalty and two conversions, with late sub Jaco van der Walt converting the last try.
Edinburgh’s backs were outstanding against Saracens and the Dragons on the road, but Saturday’s second half was arguably their best 40 minutes of the season.
Bennett added: “We were sharp, we were clinical and we actually missed a few opportunities as well.
“We created a lot more than we scored, so as a back line that’s bloody exciting.
“We’re getting our roles right and when we execute them we’re scoring. What more do you want?
“The second half was tough going. It was stop-start and hard to find any momentum.
“So there is plenty to work on – but it was a hell of a performance from us.”
A lot of Argentinians have played in Britain and France since rugby went professional in the mid-1990s.
But few have had the kind of impact Moyano and Boffelli are making.
You have to go further back and to a different sport to find a comparison – to when Ossie Ardiles and Ricky Villa transformed Spurs into FA Cup winners in the 1980s.
Edinburgh have won nothing yet, but as well as sitting on top of the league, they got their Challenge Cup campaign off to a brilliant start by beating Saracens.
They go to London Irish on Saturday for their second pool match, and Bennett is looking forward to it.
He said: “That’s an exciting challenge for us. Irish are a good side – they’ve had some cracking performances in the Prem this year.
“We just want to follow on from what we have done.
“We had a great win away at Sarries and a great win on Saturday. We’ve got to keep that momentum going.”