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PARIS - Puma mistakes and South African quality combined to end Argentina's dream of reaching the rugby World Cup final, coach Marcelo Loffreda said today.
Argentina's 13-37 defeat in their semifinal at Stade de France ended a run of five victories and sent the Springboks into their first final since they won the tournament in 1995.
"We were victims of our own errors, especially in the first half," said Loffreda, whose side were 6-24 down at halftime after three Springboks tries.
"The team obeyed our gameplan perfectly. Simply, what happened was that we committed more errors than usual against a great and dangerous South African side that made us pay dearly.
"I'm very proud of the team and the players. We competed (in the tournament) with a handicap. As you know we don't have an international competition," he added, saying the players were not used to playing so many test matches in succession.
"What we tried to do today was to keep the match even, keep the game close in scores but our mistakes, the result of their pressure, finished in tries and it became impossible to get back on the scoreboard.
Loffreda said that New Zealander Steve Walsh's refereeing had confused the Argentines.
"I think we couldn't understand the referee today. We didn't have explained to us what would happen in the maul, and twice in the first half we were penalised for obstruction.
"But in the second half South Africa were not penalised (for the same thing). We were disconcerted.
"The referee was not saying when it's hands off in the ruck. Our players are used to northern hemisphere refereeing, Walsh is from the southern hemisphere."
Captain Agustin Pichot was visibly upset by the defeat and had a lump in his throat when he spoke.
He said he was sad "about not reaching the dream and when you don't get there you're left with the feeling that something's missing".
"I'm not going to have another opportunity to win the World Cup (but) it's a good sadness, we're okay, we did all we could."
Pichot said he was proud to be the captain of the Pumas and wanted to thank the players for their commitment.
The Pumas can still bow out in style if they beat France in the playoff for third on Saturday (NZT) so repeating their upset of the host nation five weeks ago that set them on course for Argentina's best tournament finish.
Pichot said he was not sure whether he would play in that match at Parc des Princes.
"I think the World Cup is over for me. As we have 30 players maybe some others will take to the field but you can be sure they'll give everything to finish the tournament well."
- REUTERS
