While he had to apply to play in Lyon with Clermont, Marcos Kremer was finally selected with Argentina to challenge France. An unexpected turnaround, but one that excites the Pumas flanker.
Marcos, you were not supposed to participate in Argentina's last match and you were finally selected. Tell us about this turnaround…
With my knee injury, we spoke almost every day with the Argentinian medical staff. I also spoke to my Argentinian friends within the group and especially to Felipe Contepomi. We have a great relationship, he is very nice to me, he always asks me for news. At the beginning, it was planned that I would play with Clermont in Lyon. And last week, we spoke with Felipe to see how I was doing and he decided to call me to be with the group. At the beginning of the week, I did the high intensity training and everything is going well. I am aware that this is not an easy time for ASM. But when we are professionals we all want to play this type of match. Today I'm hungry to be a “top player” again, I have to seize this opportunity. Felipe called Christophe (Urios) and I don't think he was happy but they made this choice.
What was your first emotion when you received the news?
I was extremely happy because after my injury and seeing the way the Pumas played, it hurt me not to play. It's a huge emotion. Then the excitement took over. I'm going to challenge myself to try to arrive ready for the match. I'm here today, if Felipe hadn't called me I would have played with Clermont.
Physically, are you ready to battle against one of the best nations in the world?
Until last Saturday, I didn't really know… I told Felipe Contepomi that I hadn't done any high-intensity training and therefore didn't know where I was. But since the start of the week, frankly, I have surprised myself! Now we will see the staff's decision.
How were you received by your teammates?
They were very happy to see me again! Especially Bautista (Delguy), who is a friend! We have an incredible group, everyone talks to everyone. They were also happy to see Matteo Carreras again! Between the two of us, I hope that we will bring new energy to this group that has been living and playing together for a month. It's good for the team.
What do the Argentinian staff expect from your return?
My energy within the third line. Like I said, maybe the group needs some fresh blood. If I play I will give everything but then I don't like to talk too much, I prefer to express myself on the pitch. If we talk a lot and do nothing, it's problematic (laughs).
Was Christophe Urios frustrated to see you leave?
He was a little sad, yes, me too! I was injured with Argentina but I was treated for two months in Clermont. And after all this time, where the staff and doctors took good care of themselves, I'm going straight back with the Pumas. It hurts me, the club is a little frustrated, that's normal, but they are aware that it's a huge opportunity for me. After this meeting against the Blues, I will definitely be in Clermont and I hope to play as many matches as possible in yellow and blue.
Have you watched France New Zealand?
Of course. It was a huge match. Two of the three best nations in the world competed against each other at an exceptional level. After their victory against the All Blacks, I think that the French will be keen to confirm and repeat a great match. For our part, we also hope to live up to the event!
Are you still going to watch ASM's trip to Lyon on Saturday afternoon?
Yes of course. I will be in Clermont the next day and I will have time to watch it with, I hope, the first away victory to bring a new mentality.
You haven't played a single minute yet this season, does your patience have its limits?
Exactly, I miss it a lot. I'm waiting for my moment, hoping to find consistency again.
You were injured just before the last day of the Rugby Championship, where the Pumas could still win this 2024 edition. Tell us…
We had the keys to winning this competition! We started the Rugby Championship with a great victory in New Zealand but we lost to Australia at home, and that was the turning point of our competition. If we had won this match, the ending would have been different… I got injured against South Africa after a difficult victory, and afterwards it was too hard for us. But Argentina has proven that it can do historic things, whether in rugby or elsewhere. We have it in our blood. I hope we win this competition in the future.
Argentina has experienced several coach changes in recent years (Ledesma, Cheika and Contepomi). What have these three men brought you since you were in the national team?
I experienced incredible things with the three coaches! Mario (Ledesma) changed me as a man and he did a lot for Argentine rugby, he is a great coach, Michael (Cheika) brought clear experience and vision for us. Under his command, we had historic victories. And I hope this will continue with Felipe!
You challenged France twice this summer. In which areas do the Pumas need to improve compared to these two matches to win?
The conquest. We were in difficulty in this sector, especially during the first match. The XV of France did us a lot of harm in touch and scrum. And in rugby, if you don't have a good attack, you can't win a match. Then, we will have to be solid in defense because France has a lot of incredible players. They are one of the best teams in the world. If we are a little luckier than them, that will be good (laughs).
Personally, what flaws have you analyzed in the Blues' game so far?
I couldn’t even tell you one (laughs)! Really !
Who are the players that impress you the most on the third line?
They're all monsters, but I like Charles Ollivon. Even though he was a substitute against New Zealand, he is a super athletic player and I enjoy watching him play. Behind, Grégory Alldritt (he breathes)… He's a monster! And Alexandre Roumat is growing at breakneck speed and he already has a world-class level… But Charles has my preference (laughs)!
Which poster struck you the most between Pumas and Français?
There was obviously 2007, the opening of the World Cup, but I'm not a rugby fanatic. I never was, in fact I started rugby late, in 2013, at sixteen. I played football when I was young, but then and still today, I only watch Pumas matches, the big competitions and the beautiful posters, like France – New Zealand recently! Rugby is my job, and I have to switch off when I get home. I spend a lot of time in nature, drinking mate or chopping wood (laughs). It relaxes me, I feel free. I love riding motorbikes, it allows me to forget about rugby and clear my head. So I don't have any matches that stood out to me against France. On the other hand, I have one against New Zealand, when we won for the first time against them, in November 2020. I had the chance to play and that day, we realized that we could win against any nation. It changed me.
What is your prediction for France – Argentina?
A one-point victory for the Pumas with a somewhat controversial drop or penalty and a try from Bautista Delguy in the first half (laughs)!
What is your view on the start of the ASM season?
We will have to start winning away from home again to be in the top 6 at the end of the season. We all want to play the same way at home and away. But it's easy for me to talk, since I haven't played. Everything is different in the locker room and on the pitch. I hope that we will have more matches like against UBB than against Stade français (laughs).
