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‘Lots of things to improve’: Argentina’s Julian Montoya reacts to loss
By Finn Morton
Julian Montoya offered a candid assessment of Argentina’s tough 37-23 loss to France in Paris on Friday evening. The captain highlighted Los Pumas’ slow start and the team’s poor discipline as areas of concern after their final Autumn Nations Series match of the year.
On the back of a historic run in The Rugby Championship which saw Argentina beat New Zealand, Australia and South Africa in the same tournament for the first time, Los Pumas travelled north as they set sights on more headline-grabbing upsets.
Argentina smashed Italy 50-18 and came close to knocking off Ireland in a 22-19 loss in Dublin, but they had one more match to play before the season came to a close. France were up next, which pitted a Rugby World Cup semi-finalist against a northern hemisphere heavyweight.
But with Thibaud Flament, Gabin Villiere, Louis Bielle-Birrey scoring five-pointers, and a penalty try going France’s way, it seemed the hosts were always in control. Argentina had the last laugh with Ignacio Ruiz scoring with just over 10 minutes to play, but time wasn’t on their side.
At the end of an incredible season which saw Argentina make some unforgettable history, they were handed a one-sided 14-point loss. Players were visibly disappointed after the full-time whistle at Stade de France, but their captain remained as proud as ever of Los Pumas.
“First of all I want to say thank you to all the Argentina people that came here to Paris to support us and the people that support us from home. To us it’s very important,” Montoya said on the post-game broadcast.
“We didn’t start the way we wanted. Our discipline wasn’t good, two yellow cards.
“What I think it good and (why) I’m proud of the team is the way we went for the game until the 80th minute.
“But lots of things to improve. Now we need to look inside each other; what do we need to do better… but I’m proud of this team as always.”
It would’ve taken an incredible effort for Argentina to wrestle their way back into the lead after going into the sheds at half-time down 30-9. France had scored three tries, but it was the goal-kicking boot of flyhalf Thomas Ramos that seemed to do the most damage.
Whenever Argentina pivot Tomas Albornoz converted a penalty, Ramos lined up a shot at goal usually within a few minutes to cancel out the score. Les Bleus ran riot as the proud Parisian crowd well and truly got behind their rugby heroes with a chorus of cheers and songs.
The second half was more of a battle with Argentina ‘winning’ that period 14-7, with Thomas Gallo scoring the other try for the visitors, but the damage had been done. Argentina finished the year with a 50 per cent winning record, with six wins from their 12 Tests in 2024.
“I’m proud of this team always, not just when we do things all right,” Montoya added.
“We were in a tough position and we need to embrace those moments and come together stronger. We win together and we lose together.”
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Latest Comments
But he chose rightly or wrongly to play for Tonga. If he wanted to play for the ABs why didn’t he hold off?
Go to comments“A succession of recent ex-players going straight back into the game as coaches in their early 40’s would prob be enough to kill it stone-dead. Innovation would die a death.”
Would it? I do think one of the major differences between rugby and most other sports - which we’ve been overlooking - is the degree to which players are expected to lead team meetings & analysis sessions and the like. Someone like Owen Farrell has basically been an assistant coach already for ten years - and he’s been so under a variety of different head coaches with different expectations and playing styles.
“The most interesting ppl I have met in the game have all coached well into their sixties and they value the time and opportunity they have had to reflect and therefore innovate in the game. That’s based on their ability to compare and contrast between multiple eras.”
I don’t doubt that that’s true. But having interesting insights doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be the best able to inspire a team, or the best at managing the backroom staff.
“Wayne Smith winning the WWC in his mid sixties three years ago prob means nothing to you but it meant a lot to him. It took him back to the roots of is own coaching journey.”
I don’t doubt that! But I don’t think coaches should be hired on the basis that it means a lot to them.
“The likes of Carlo Ancelotti and Wayne Bennett and Andy Reid all have a tale to tell. You should open your ears and listen to it!”
I agree! Never have I ever suggested otherwise!
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