Los Pumas Player Ratings v New Zealand

September 12, 2021
2018
Ultimate Rugby

Argentina had absolutely no reply to the physicality and skill of New Zealand in Sunday's Rugby Championship contest.

New Zealand turned on the style to ruthlessly dispatch Argentina 39-0 to make it three wins from three in the Rugby Championship.

Here is how we rated the Pumas.

1. Facundo Gigena - 5

Had a few scrums where he got the upper hand but like many of his teammates, it just wasn't his night. A big defensive shift making 11 tackles.

2. Julian Montoya - 8

A real captain's innings and while it was all in vain, he could leave the pitch and be proud of his performance. A real threat over the ball, he won two turnovers and regularly slowed down the All Blacks' attack.

It's a rare for such a high rating when a team has last by such a distance but Montoya deserves it.

3. Santiago Medrano - 6

A similar performance as his prop partner. Made a massive 16 tackles as the Pumas spent most of the game without the ball.

4. Guido Petti - 6.5

Another high tackle count making 15 while he was a pest for the All Blacks' lineout and contested well on the deck.

5. Matias Alemanno - 6

Battled away on defence making 18 tackles. Gave a few penalties away and was solid at lineout time.

6. Pablo Matera - 6

As good as Montoya over the ball as the Pumas managed to soak the pressure up in the first half. Sent to the sin bin after multiple penalties by the Pumas.

7. Marcos Kremer - 7.5

Took the fight to the All Blacks and finished the game as the joint top tackler with 23. Left the gap open for Barrett to sprint through and set up Jacobson for a score. Abrasive and physical as per usual and was one of the Pumas best in a poor outing.

8. Rodrigo Bruni - 5

A quiet performance from Bruni who thrives with ball in hand. The Pumas didn't have much of the ball and Bruni was quieter on defence.

9. Gonzalo Bertranou - 6.5

Made a ridiculous 23 tackles, the joint-most in the game. Tried to keep the Pumas in the game with some good kicks and service to Sanchez but was unsuccessful.

10. Nicolas Sanchez - 6

Now the Pumas most capped player of all time but it was far from a great occasion for the pivot. He had some nice kicks and steps but couldn't get the Pumas attack firing.

11. Santiago Cordero - 6

Brilliantly denied the All Blacks a score with an intercept off Rieko Ioane's pass but that was the highlight of his game. He saw little ball but defended well as the All Blacks flooded the wider channels. Effort was there but wasn't helped by his teammates.

Santiago Cordero 🦸‍♂️ #RugbyChampionship #NZLvARG pic.twitter.com/xdJeXbKpsO

— Ultimate Rugby (@ultimaterugby) September 12, 2021

12. Jeronimo De la Fuente - 4

The All Blacks regularly found gaps in his and Moroni's channel. Little impact when the Pumas did have the ball and pulled with 20 minutes left to play.

13. Matias Moroni - 5

Couldn't stop the All Blacks attack from breaking through his channel. Made some good tackles but caught out more than he should have and was replaced with 30 minutes left to play.

14. Bautista Delguy - 4

Had a mare on defence as Ioane and Bridge found space and metres down his wing. Made just one of his four tackles and was put under pressure under the high ball.

15. Juan Cruz Mallia - 5.5

Some good takes under the high ball but slip off a few tackles and offered a bit of light in attack.

Replacements:

16. Facundo Bosch - 5

17. Carloe Muzzio - 4

18. Enrique Pieretto - 5

19. Tomas Lavanini - 4

20. Juan Martin Gonzalez - 5

21. Gonzalo Garcia - 5.5

22. Santiago Chocobares - 6

23. Emiliano Boffelli 5