Rugby World Cup: “historic”, Argentina and Chile at the heart of the first South American duel

2023-09-30 09:26:09

In the space of a few hours, the center of the oval planet will shift somewhere in the middle of the Andes mountain range. For the first time in history, a Rugby World Cup match will pit two South American nations, Argentina and Chile, on Saturday September 30 (3 p.m.) in Nantes. In a sport with strong Anglo-Saxon influence, this Latin American exception is anything but trivial. “I don’t know if we can call it a clasico, but this match is a very important step,” admits Chilean captain Martin Sigren.

“It will be a historic match for the region,” continues Chilean scrum-half Marcelo Torrealba. We grew up watching Argentina at World Cups and here we have the opportunity to measure ourselves against them. » Qualified in the ten editions contested, the Pumas have long been the only representatives of South American rugby at world level. They are now accompanied by Uruguay, present for the fifth time at this stage, and Chile, Tom Thumb of the competition.

“We know what gap exists”

“Chile’s growth in recent years has been enormous,” praises Andrés Bordoy, Argentina forwards coach. Their forwards have made a big leap in terms of quality. They are well prepared strategically and the players have progressed a lot technically. » Despite their three defeats so far, the Condores competed for more than 40 minutes against Japan (12-42) and Samoa (10-43) and maintain a hope – even slight – of a first success on Saturday.

This constant improvement in Chilean rugby has taken place in the wake of big brother “che”. Many members of the selection management are Argentinian and bring their international experience. A professional championship between South American franchises, Super Rugby Américas, was also born in 2020, under the leadership of Daniel Hourcade, former coach of the Pumas. The only Chilean province involved, Selknam, allows the country’s best players to train together all year round in good conditions. “This championship has made them progress, so much so that they beat the two Argentinian teams! », illustrates Andrés Bordoy.

The great rivalry between the two nations, exacerbated in football, holds less when it comes to rugby. The difference in level at the international level partly explains this. “We know what gap exists,” admits Cristian Rudloff, president of the Chilean Federation. But at the same time, it’s been so long since we last faced them! “. Since 2014, and a victory for the Pumas (73-12) – as, moreover, during the 36 duels. Often reduced to facing a B team, Chile will come across Pumas at La Beaujoire who are closer to their best level at the moment.

The 24-a-side World Cup, a godsend

But what is it really? Moribund against England (10-27), Michael Cheika’s team did not convince many people during its victory (19-10) against Samoa. In other words, she must at all costs beat Chile then Japan, Sunday October 8, to avoid a second exit from the track in a row in the pools. While the Condores’ image is being restored, Argentina is slipping and the chasm between the two nations, always important, tends to narrow.

The same goes for Uruguay, the third qualified South American nation. Far from being ridiculous against France (12-27) and Italy (17-38), the Teros validated their progress with a victory against Namibia on Wednesday (36-26). “I really liked what the Uruguayans achieved. They achieved their objective and it is interesting for the region, when we are talking about a World Cup with 24 teams,” breathes Pablo Lemoine. With four additional teams possibly qualifying from 2027, South America could increase its contingent. “We would like to see Chile or Brazil there for the long term,” hopes Daniel Hourcade.