SA v Arg: Puma player ratings
Sat, 09 Aug 2008 20:07
South Africa overcame a slow start to score a record 63-9 win over Argentina in their Mandela tribute Test in Johannesburg on Saturday. Coming back from being 0-9 down after 30 minutes: the Springboks ran in nine tries - seven in the second half rout.
It was a sluggish start and at first things looked very good for the Pumas: but after the second-half rout the Argentina ratings look a lot worse.
rugby365 editor Jan de Koning brings you his Pumas player ratings!
15 Bernardo Stortoni: Good under the high ball and steady, but saw very little of the ball in the second half as the Springboks took over. 5/10
14 José María Núñez Piossek: Far too quiet and no real attacking opportunities in a game that just didn't go his way. 4/10
13 Federico Martín Aramburu: Struggled to get into the game, but probably because he was up against two good Springbok midfielders. 4/10
12 Miguel Avramovic: He, like Aramburu, will have nightmares about that hole they left for Jean de Villiers that resulted in the Boks' first try. That was the beginning of the end as they continued to leave holes on defence. 4/10
11 Horacio Agulla: Started with a couple of nice runs, then gave away a penalty and like the rest of the Argentinean backs struggled to get into a game dominated by the Boks. 4/10
10 Felipe Contepomi (captain): His experience showed and he was by far the best of the Puma backs. There was the odd knock and he even kicked directly into touch, but still a class act. 6/10
9 Nicolás Vergallo: Showed some good skills and had a good break early. But as the Boks took over he was reduced to mostly a defensive role. Allround still a god day though. 6/10
8 Juan Manuel Leguizamon: Definitely one of Argentina's best players. Good take of a high ball from a kick-'n-chase and remained very busy throughout then game. 7/10
7 Juan Martín Fernández Lobbe: His true value was only noticed once he left the field in the 46th minute. His experience was missed and his physical presence was worth gold at the breakdown. 7/10
6 Martín Durand: He did nothing wrong, but by his usual standards it was a quiet game. Maybe that is a compliment to the Bok loose forwards. 5/10
5 Patricio Albacete: He worked hard in the first 30 minutes, when the Pumas were in command, but it told of him and he disappeared after the break. 5/10
4 Rimas Álvarez Kairelis: Gave away an early penalty, then redeemed himself with some good aerial skills. But also faded. 5/10
3 Pedro Ledesma: Lasted just nine minutes before injury forced him off.
2 Mario Ledesma: The best of the Puma forwards - as always strong with the ball in hand and great on defence. The kind of player you want to have with you in the trenches. 7/10
1 Rodrigo Roncero: Some good early work, especially on defence, but when the pressure came on he struggled to stay with the pace of the game. 5/10
Replacements - 20 minutes or more to be rated:
16 Alberto Vernet Basualdo: Came on for Mario Ledesma in the 66th minute. Not enough time to rate.
17 Marcos Ayerza: On for Pedro Ledesma in the ninth minute and looked out of his depth. 4/10
18 Esteban Lozada: On for Rimas Alvarez Kairelis in the 58th minute. Not the best time to come on when the game is over as a contest. Never caught up with the pace of the game. 4/10
19 Álvaro Galindo: On for Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe in the 46th minute. Did not have nearly the same impact as his more seasoned compatriot. 5/10
20 Alfredo Lalanne: Unused
21 Benjamín Urdapilleta: On for Jose Maria Nuñez Piossek in the 71st minute. Not enough time to be rated.
22 Rafael Carballo: Unused
