The IRON FIST reviews France v Argentina

VENUE: STADE DE FRANCE

CROWD: 80000

CONDITIONS: FINE

REFEREE: TONY SPREADBURY

FRANCE 12 (9) v (17) 17 ARGENTINA

SCORERS:

Pen: Felipe Contepomi (5th); 0-3

Pen: David Skrela (7th); 3-3

Pen: F Contepomi (10th); 3-6

Pen: F Contepomi (24th); 3-9

Try: Ignacio Corleto (27th); 3-14

Pen: Skrela (31st); 6-14

Pen: F Contepomi (34th); 6-17

Pen: Skrela (40th); 9-17

Pen: Skrela (60th); 12-17

STATISTICS:

Scrums - FRA 9 feeds = 9 wins, ARG 5 feeds = 3 wins

Line-outs - FRA 9 feeds = 9 wins, ARG 17 feeds = 15 wins

Rucks/Mauls - FRA 79, ARG 55

Turnovers - FRA 5, ARG 12

Handling errors - FRA 8, ARG 7

Penalties - FRA 9, ARG 8

Free kicks - FRA 2, ARG 1

Shots at Goal - FRA (4/6), ARG (4/12)

Yellow cards -

Red cards -

PLAYER ANALYSIS:

Best Front-ranker: Mario Ledesma (2)

Best Second-rower: Jerome Thion (5)

Best Back-rower: Imanol Harinordoquy (8)

Best Half-back:: Agustin Pichot (9)

Best Mid-fielder: Felipe Contepomi (12)

Best at the Back: Aurelien Rougerie (15)

CONCLUSION:

Only 1 game into the 2007 Rugby World Cup, and the Cat is amongst the Pigeons. The Pumas weren't supposed to win this Test, yet the script writers failed to inform them. Argentina knew that the only way they would win was if they could score points early, quickly and as many as possible, before France found their feet. Even though 5 Drop Goal's were attempted (2 charged down), it still kept France in their own quarter. It almost looked as if the moment was too for big for France.

Once Corleto scored the Tests' only try, France panicked! They weren't enjoying any good field position. They just lacked structure in the opening half, they were far too loose when attacking, they were rushing things, and were gaining very little ball and even less field position. One thing that the French Management must answer for is the selection of Cedric Heymans at fullback. Heymans isn't a fullback he is a wing and was sorely exposed at times. It really is the same as selecting Bryan Habana, Lote Tuqiri or Sitiveni Sivivatu in that position. Juan Martin Hernandez peppered Heymans as often as possible with up-and-unders.

Possession changed hands in a big way after half-time, as France really called the shots. However I don't think they were prepared for some superb defence dished out by the Pumas. However at times when taking it wide and perhaps even having numbers, Les Bleus’ tight forwards were standing amongst the backs slowing any potential scoring movement, thus resulting to zero. One of the reasons why Argentina turned over so much ball was that the French attacking player lacked support, being isolated and ultimately loosing possession. The Tricolour's set-pieces was super, they didn't loose a single line-out feed and scrummed the Pumas as if they invented the "Badjade" scrum.

France had such a good build-up towards this Tournament, perhaps too good! Overconfidence might have contributed to their defeat. Referee Spreadbury is known amongst the player and referee fraternity as "the clown", and unfortunately their were some clown calls e.g. the Contepomi brothers were time and again in front of Hernandez when launching his bombs on Heymans; many blatant forward passes were overlooked; many a Puma not staying on his feet; perhaps the worst of all wasn't sending a single Argentinean to the bin when France were in serious striking distance, and a Puma player deliberately infringed to only give away a 3 pointer as opposed to a possible 7. Argentina really just looked to hang on to their lead in the second spell, they stuck to their guns and won!

Feed back and comments welcome. Contact duncandamon@xsinet.co.za

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