This Friday evening, Joaquín Oviedo and Ignacio Ruiz, the two USAP players, were present against the XV of France. Number 8 was brilliant.
The Argentinians were disappointing. Building on their good Rugby Championship, their big victory in Italy (18-50) and their encouraging defeat in Ireland (22-19), the Pumas were no match for the Blues this Friday evening (37-23 ).
But in Perpignan, the USAP staff must be relieved to see that their two players, Joaquín Oviedo (13 selections) and Ignacio Ruiz (18 selections), came out of this fight unscathed. Because the two young Argentines (23 years old) were playing their sixth consecutive match after those against Lyon, Racing 92 and Vannes with the USAP, and those against Italy, Ireland and therefore France with the Pumas. And they should, probably, continue a seventh next Saturday (9:05 p.m.) with a USAP-Toulon which promises to be hot at Aimé-Giral.
Also read:
XV of France: the Blues in complete control against Argentina finish their tour perfectly
Oviedo stood out in defense
In any case, Joaquín Oviedo managed to shine defensively. Already very visible in Dublin last week, where he finished the match with 19 races (match record), 4 defenders beaten and 14 tackles, he once again showed his advantage against the Blues. At halftime, with 10 successful tackles, he was the best tackler of the game. And he finished the match with 18 tackles, 13 carries, 56 meters covered and 4 defenders beaten in 80 minutes played. A performance at the level of the player he has become today, even if he finished the match holding his left shoulder.
A try for Ruiz
For his part, Ignacio Ruiz played 26 minutes (2/2 on shots). He first entered in the first period (from the 6th to the 15th) to compensate for the yellow card of captain Julián Montoya. And then he came back in the second half, in the 63rd minute. Always full of energy, he even gave himself a try, in force (37-21, 69th). But the score was already made.
The two players will now return to Perpignan over the weekend, in order to meet their teammates on Monday in training. In sight: the reception of RC Toulon next Saturday (9:05 p.m.). Then probably a little rest during the European Cup which starts in two weeks.
France
