If you're an Argentine No 10, you can't get much higher praise than to be called the next Hugo Porta. And Juan Martin Hernandez, after his three drop goals against Ireland sealed Argentina's place in the World Cup quarter-finals, picked up rich praise from the man rated among
the greatest first five-eighths of all time.
"Overall, he is an incredible player," Porta said after watching the 25-year-old equal his achievement of a hat-trick of drop goals, which he did twice in a 24-13 win over Australia in 1979 and in a 21-all draw with the All Blacks in Buenos Aires six years later.
Porta's problem was he played in an era when Argentina were regarded as a fringe rugby nation. Times have changed. Argentina are making themselves heard at the tournament, having won all four pool games and are strongly favoured to beat Scotland and make their first semifinal. They have an experienced group of players in their prime. Hernandez is the playmaker in whom coach Marcelo Loffreda has placed his trust.
Hernandez, shy and reserved off the field, plays fullback for his club Stade Francais but has relished the chance to test himself in his preferred role during the cup, as Loffreda pushed experienced goalkicker Felipe Contepomi out one spot to second five-eighths.
That leaves Hernandez perfectly placed between two seasoned pros, captain and inspirational halfback Agustin Pichot and Contepomi.
As the Argentine fans at Parc des Princes last weekend roared, "Maradooo, Maradoo", the message was clear.
Lionel Messi, Barcelona's little soccer wizard, is set to inherit Diego Maradona's mantle; Hernandez, born and raised in Buenos Aires and who was once offered a trial at top soccer club Boca Juniors, has Porta in his sights.
