The HSBC World Rugby Sevens tournament has featured further high-octane action, and clearly, one of the highlights was Argentina’s sheer domination over New Zealand by a score of 36-12. The match demonstrated Argentina’s willingness to attack, defensive discipline, and game management against one of the most successful teams in Sevens.
Argentina’s Strong Start
Argentina set the pace for the match right from the start. Never giv-ing New Zealand any chances, they applied pressure relentlessly throughout the match. Argentine defenders got up quickly and disrupted New Zealand’s attack, forcing early handling errors and other turnovers. In the first few minutes of the game, Argentina, having stolen the ball from New Zealand, scored a try that was converted without any problems.
In the first half, Argentina continued to strangle New Zealand with even more quick passing and well-timed offloads to spread the defensive lines. Argentina has become an emerging force in World Rugby Sevens and this match even further cemented that growing reputation. Argentina turned the screws and built a solid lead with the upcoming half, placing New Zealand well and truly on the back foot.
New Zealand’s Struggles
In its long history in the HSBC World Rugby Sevens competitions, New Zealand found it hard to break through Argentina’s very well-set nets. The All Black Sevens rightly expected a fast-paced game with explosions of skills; however, they just could not find their rhythm. Way too many handling errors!
Argentina, on the other hand, held their cool and punished New Zealand thoroughly for their every slip. Fast counterattacks and an impressive kicking game ensured that Argentina kept New Zealand on the back foot in their own half for long periods. After a New Zealand score, Argentina would come right back and put the pressure back on.
Second Half: Argentina Seals the Victory
The second half was played in the same fashion, with Argentina holding on to the ball and controlling the pace of the game. New Zealand tried to give their opponents a run for their money and grabbed an early try in the half, but Argentina scored two tries in quick succession to extinguish any hopes of a comeback.
Discipline in defense was one big reason why Argentina got away with a victory. Important tackles were made at critical times to blunt any sustained momentum from the Kiwis. It was easy to see how they could turn defense to attack, as they capitalized on New Zealand’s errors with ruthless finishing.
Key Players
- Argentina’s Playmakers: Several Argentine players were on a very high level during the match, showing their flair in the art of sevens rugby, passing sharply, running with great speed, and kicking with tactical prowess.
- New Zealand’s Defensive Lapses: The strange defensive lapses and handling errors were costly for New Zealand, giving Argentina enough of an advantage to go on and win comfortably.
- Argentina’s Tactical Execution: Argentina executed their game plan so well that they made it very enticing to watch in the HSBC World Rugby Sevens series.
Manifold Implications for the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series
Argentina’s victory signifies a major statement as they continue to climb in the HSBC World Rugby Sevens standings. Their capability to dismantle a team like New Zealand shows they have the potential to challenge for the overall title.
For New Zealand losing has now become a wake-up call. They need to work on their regrouping and inconsistency if they want to remain a dominating force in the series with the heavyweight teams contesting across the HSBC World Rugby Sevens tournament.
Looking Forward
Argentina now hopes to use this momentum to continue their run for the title in the HSBC World Rugby Sevens tournament. Their win over New Zealand shows they are a team to be followed in subsequent games. New Zealand too will want to bounce back and restore their dominance on the sevens stage.
With more thrilling clashes on the way, the HSBC World Rugby Sevens tournament is bound to be exciting and another story to follow along is Argentina’s emphatic win over New Zealand.
