Argentinian signings

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13-11-20, 15:52
wholetruth

Argentinian signings

Interesting bit about all our new Argentinians in this

Western Force redemption continues as trans-Tasman Super Rugby tournament announced
Nick Taylor
The West Australian
Fri, 13 November 2020 8:15AM

The Western Force resurrection continues as they join the new 2021 trans-Tasman Super Rugby tournament.

The Force will join Australia’s four other, and New Zealand’s five, Super sides in the new competition after finishing their domestic campaign.

The Force, controversially axed by Rugby Australia three years ago and saved by billionaire Andrew Forrest, will host the Chiefs and Highlanders in the opening two rounds before taking on the Hurricanes, Crusaders and Blues.

Meanwhile four of the five Argentinian players heading to the Force next season will line-up against the All Blacks in the Tri-Nations Test.

Hooker Julián Montoya and scrum-half Tomás Cubelli, who have already been confirmed, and prop Santiago Medrano and flanker Tomas Lezana, who are set to be announced are in the match-day squad.

Fly-half Santiago Iglesias, who is also expected to be announced shortly, is the only player to miss out.

The new crossover competition will see 26 games played over six weeks, kicking off on Friday May 14 with a final on Saturday June 19.

More here

https://thewest.com.au/sport/western...ng-b881720386z
13-11-20, 16:20
Sheikh

I don't recall seeing Lezana's name in any Force announcements, but I'm assuming that Nick Taylor knows more about the squad comings and goings than I do.

Seems to be used as an 8, rather than a true flanker, but was the main Argentinian bench back-rower and at 1.88 m and 105 kg he should be able to play either role (almost identical stats to Stander!)
13-11-20, 17:08
James

Lezana is good value. Perfect for a 6 or 8.
13-11-20, 17:54
brokendown gunfighter

it is building into a strong squad,which it needs to be;whether they Gel,is going to be the question
13-11-20, 19:34
JSJ

Quote:

Originally Posted by brokendown gunfighter

it is building into a strong squad,which it needs to be;whether they Gel,is going to be the question

I think most of the punters in Eastern Australia are in for a surprise in 2021. The Force, other than the Argies, have been doing pre-season training for 3 weeks already, where as the Tahs (and others?) only start next week.
13-11-20, 19:44
.X.

Quote:

Originally Posted by brokendown gunfighter

it is building into a strong squad,which it needs to be;whether they Gel,is going to be the question

I think that Tim Sampson is the perfect guy to build a team we will all be proud of.
13-11-20, 20:48
andrewg

Quote:

Originally Posted by .X.

I think that Tim Sampson is the perfect guy to build a team we will all be proud of.

Agree - but looking forward to what John McKee brings to the mix as well as the 2nd year of input, into a fitter team, from Nick Hensley.
13-11-20, 22:31
wallabydarnd

Quote:

Originally Posted by andrewg

Agree - but looking forward to what John McKee brings to the mix as well as the 2nd year of input, into a fitter team, from Nick Hensley.

......and hopefully a local player or 2
I know it is a fine line, and we have to be successful,
But we are not the Barbars
14-11-20, 06:15
.X.

Quote:

Originally Posted by wallabydarnd

......and hopefully a local player or 2
I know it is a fine line, and we have to be successful,
But we are not the Barbars

I think our International friends will bring a greater level of wisdom, attitude, and professionalism to our team that our local Extended Playing Squad members and, juniors will benefit and learn from and become better players because of it.
14-11-20, 07:52
bootsetal06

Perhaps a policy similar to the IPL where local talent is part of the team set up .
14-11-20, 08:23
Sheikh

Forrest has said repeatedly that he supports local rugby players coming through the ranks, and I presume that all of these new signings will also have the 350 hours of community rugby built into their contracts.

Having someone like Cubelli along to a local club, or hosting special training sessions for scrum-halfs open to any local player, would be pretty awesome (and that's speaking as someone who was most definitely wasn't a 9!)