Argentine star looking for a pass mark

By DAVID LEGGAT

George Gregan is the world's finest halfback.

But who comes next in the pecking order? Perhaps the sleek, classy Rob Howley of Wales and the British Lions; blinkered All Black fans would not look past Justin Marshall and Byron Kelleher; on his good days the all-purpose English Lion Matt Dawson would have his admirers.

So what about Argentina's most gifted footballer, the long-haired Agustin Pichot who, unquestionably, would make the grand final in that list?

When Argentina are devising their strategies for tackling the All Blacks tonight, Pichot will be at the centre of discussions. It is rare for a Puma to sit comfortably among the world's best in his position, but there are a handful of quality performers in this team and Pichot is top of the pops.

Since making his test debut in 1995, Pichot has gradually turned himself into Argentina's most inventive attacking force, and at the World Cup four years later he was outstanding as the Pumas made the quarter-finals before losing to France.

Socks rolled down, dark locks flowing, the nippy, bustling Pichot will be the player Argentina will look to tonight as they bid to bury the memories of the ghastly twin losses here in 1997.

The 26-year-old from Buenos Aires missed that tour through injury, but shares the team's motivation to make up for that experience. But he also harbours a strong personal streak of wanting to prove himself.

In 38 tests New Zealand is the one leading rugby nation he has yet to confront. However, he has been in Barbarians squads with Kelleher, Carlos Spencer, Christian Cullen, and the Norms, Hewitt and Maxwell.

His respect for All Black rugby is immense, as is his desire to show his true talents.

"Respect" is the word which comes through loud and clear when he talks rugby.

"With Argentina, it is not a team that goes forward all the time. You are in a weak side, so you have the hunger to prove yourself to people. You have to fight to gain your position and your respect.

"You get motivated for respect in your playing career. You respect what other people say about you, but you must have hunger and passion for rugby."

During Pichot's time at the top, the game in Argentina has undergone a crucial change in outlook. Argentina was the great amateur stronghold of the game, a game played essentially by the middle and upper classes. The rule was simple: to play for Argentina you must play in Argentina. Go abroad and you were, as they say, dog tucker.

The New Zealand Rugby Union were liberal by comparison with the men from the Pampas. A run through tonight's Pumas line-up shows Pichot and first five-eighths Felipe Contepomi are at Bristol; captain Lisandro Arbizu and lock Ignacio Fernandez Lobbe are at Begles-Bordeaux in France; rugged prop Roberto Grau is at Dax; wing Gonzalo Camardon is at Roma.

"It changed massively," Pichot said. "First, I wouldn't have gone if I was not going be able to play for my country. Secondly, you are playing very professional rugby, you learn a lot, then bring back your experience to the national team - although you weaken the national championship in Argentina because all good players are abroad."

So, with this being a delicate issue for the NZRFU, should they open the doors and follow suit? Emphatically no, says Pichot. What is good for a middling rugby nation is not necessarily good for one sitting at the top table.

"They won't change the rule because I don't see the point of changing it. You have a great championship, great players and a great marketing side where you have all your best players playing in your country. That has to carry on. I would love Argentina to be the same.

"I don't think any All Black selector or management would allow one player to go out and be recalled, unless he was a unique player."

Anyone in particular in mind, Gus?