Fan article originally published on The Roar's sports opinion website. Submit your own Rugby article to The Roar for potential publication on Rugby.com.au/Wallabies.
If you were at the Millenium Stadium last weekend, or if you watched the game on TV from a respectable distance, it should not have gone unnoticed to you the way Los Pumas disposed of the Dragons – Argentina winning 26-12.
With their rock-solid defence (something we already witnessed this year) as platform, the Argentinians also showed improvements in their attack, particularly in the first try of the game, with forwards impressively offloading in the tackle and linking with the backs to set up a wonderful try.
So who could say their inaugural stint in the Southern Hemisphere’s most powerful competition has taught them nothing? Argentina are showing progress in their attacking game, whereas they maintain their usual standards in their defensive systems.
All in all, it was just their second win in that venue; but that otherwise difficult feat was never threatened by the Welsh from the moment the Argentinians scored the first try.
Truth be told, the Welsh did themselves no favours with their poor discipline (Alun Wyn-Jones please stand up) and their high-quality backrow going almost unnoticed (notable exception: Toby Faletau).
But it was the Welsh after all. The Welsh at the Millenium Stadium.
What made the difference this time is that Argentina had played nine matches in 2012, whereas before they had been included in the Rugby Championship they usually played only two or three games before November Tests.
These extra tests against quality opposition has helped Argentina:
Firstly, check their weak points against the best opponents. Second, have more time to get the team playing together. Thirdly, evolve their systems to the requirements of the modern-day game. And finally, sharpen their players’ skills.
And it is, it seems, time to harvest for Los Pumas. There can be absolutely no doubt Argentina are a better team than a year ago.
And it should be no doubt that next year’s Rugby Championship will be even better as long as Argentinian players are released by their (French) clubs.
*Disclaimer - Views expressed within this story are not necessarily the views of the ARU or rugby.com.au