Argentina's Agustin Pichot passes the ball during their Group D Rugby World Cup match against Ireland. Photo / Reuters
PARIS - Argentinian rugby should finally get the respect it deserves after the Pumas made the World Cup quarterfinals at the expense of Six Nations Triple Crown holders Ireland today, according to coach Marcelo Loffreda.
Argentina beat the Irish 30-15 to confirm their position at the top of
pool D having already beaten hosts France in the opening match.
They will go on to play Scotland at the Stade de France next Monday (NZT) for a place in the semifinals.
"This is an enormous step forward by Argentina, to have progressed out of the 'group of death'," said Loffreda, who will take over at English side Leicester once the World Cup is over.
"Now it's imperative that Argentinian rugby is recognised for what it is.
"It's great that other countries (Fiji eliminated Wales yesterday) are now making a breakthrough on to the top table of rugby and not just the same ones.
"Our advantage is that the majority of the players play in Europe, like Agustin Pichot, who plays professionally in France.
"However, they all learnt to play the game in Argentina, and are blessed with that special type of character we Argentinians possess."
Captain Pichot, who is in his fourth World Cup, saw off the Irish for the second time in three World Cups having been part of the side who beat them in a playoff for the quarterfinals in 1999.
"We knew that Ireland would give us a tough time physically," said Pichot, 33.
"We played really well, a totally allround game."
Pichot also took time out to assess how the world map of rugby might be changing for the second tier teams.
"I think the Irish and the Welsh have a lot of soul searching to do," he said.
"The economic ramifications for them will be enormous and they will have to do a lot of restructuring in the next four years."
As for their date with Scotland - who edged past Italy 18-16 yesterday - Pichot criticised the world rankings
"I have never held them in high regard, as I always thought they were a marketing ploy," Pichot said.
"We will not underestimate Scotland, even if we start as favourites.
"We would never allow ourselves to run on to the pitch believing we were superior to another team. It is always vital to believe that we have to give everything to beat a team like Scotland."
- AFP
