Improved discipline pivotal for Argentina progress

EDDIE Jones recently described Argentina as the second best side in the Rugby Championship – and I reckon he’s correct in his assessment.

I don’t think anyone can deny that the Pumas are a team on the up and improving significantly. While they suffered defeats to Scotland and England, I predict that in two years’ time this Pumas team will prove a real threat to the three other teams in the Rugby Championship.

The Argentinian Rugby Union (UAR) deserve credit because they have been clinical, methodical and business-like in approach and people should be mindful of their progress.

Continuity mixed with cohesion ensures that the team can function successfully despite the loss of influential players. Argentina are probably the best example of this. Four world-class players in Marcos Ayerza, Marcelo Bosch, Juan Figallo and Juan Imhoff all ply their trade in Europe, so are deemed unavailable for national selection.

Nevertheless, Argentina remain highly competitive and have an effective balance in terms of their attack, defence, kicking game and set-piece play. However, their single biggest downfall is their ill-discipline. In the 2016 calendar year, they lost plenty of encounters owing to poor discipline.

It is beyond shocking now, some of their indiscretions are just blatant. They concede penalties in critical field positions and frequently operate with fewer numbers.

I am of the opinion that in-house punitive sanctions are the answer and internally they should be taking a harsher stance when it comes to breaches of discipline.

Pumas prop Enrique Pieretto was sent off for stamping on Joe Marler at Twickenham and has been handed a sevenweek ban. The coaching staff needs to have a sitdown with the players and somehow curb the red mist.