Passion of the Pumas

ONE of the most striking aspects of Argentina’s victory in Santa Fe last Saturday was their attitude after the game.

While they acknowledged and celebrated with an enthusiastic local crowd on the final whistle, privately they recognise that it is only a stepping stone for the bigger challenges that lie ahead.

Should the Pumas close out the series next weekend they will take satisfaction from the knowledge that despite missing more players than Ireland, and having started the first test with five amateurs on board, their reserve strength may be better than even they were aware of.