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It’s one of sports best pub debates: ‘who is the most underrated?’- It’s a totally subjective, suitably vague topic that allows men to hype up their favourite niche/obscured team or player will little threat of being objectively challenged.
It’s one of sports best pub debates: ‘who is the most underrated?’- It’s a totally subjective, suitably vague topic that allows men to hype up their favourite niche/obscured team or player will little threat of being objectively challenged.
Having said that, when it comes to international rugby teams, surely no one can disagree that Argentinian rugby isn’t getting the recognition from the wider rugby community that it deserves. For instance, you’ll still hear mainstream pundits say ‘Argentina doesn’t have any professional cub sides’ despite the fact they have 3, have just added a 4th, and those clubs are already supplying players directly to the national team and being scouted by clubs all over Europe.
Likewise, there are those who still insist the ‘Southern Hemisphere Giants’ consist of only South Africa, New Zealand and Australia despite the fact Argentina have clearly, by any metric, overtaken the Australians. Meanwhile, only 1 Argentinian has made the World Rugby team of the year in the last 5 years: Pablo Matera twice. Both the Wallabies and Scotland got players in over them this year.
A 6 from 13 record in 2025 belies their progress this year. When you are playing 7 of those games against the top 3 sides in the world, you will pick up defeats. What’s more, 4 of their 7 losses came by less than 5 points.
Taking a broader view, Argentina’s wins since the last rugby world cup include:
South Africa (once)
The B&I Lions (once)
France (once)
New Zealand (twice)
Australia (twice)
Wales, Italy & Scotland (once each)
Their only bogey team is England, who they have lost to 3 times, but were arguably unlucky not to beat in the final game of November a couple of weeks ago in a tactically fascinating and exhilaratingly entertaining clash. Other than that, they have beaten everybody - and they have done so playing attractive, attacking rugby that leans into their players’ elite ball skills and incredible fitness.
There are still weaknesses to their game that need to be addressed: They are too reliant on the metronomic boot of the outstanding Santiago Carreras to secure their points and aren’t clinical enough in the opposition 22. Meanwhile, they are averaging 3.5 points conceded per 22 entry against, far above the average of 2.7 – although that stat is inflated by the South Africa thrashing.
However, there is reason to believe they will solve these issues. Having developed a reputation for blowing hot and cold, they are now bringing a level of consistency to their performances game on game. They are still capable of having bad spells – such as the first half against Scotland – but these are no longer lasting for the full 80.
Furthermore, what the stats don’t show is how head coach Felipe Contepomi has grown and developed his squad over the past 24 months. He has expertly utilised the Argentia XV side and the growth of Super Rugby Americas to unearth gems such as excellent scrum half Benitez Cruz and superb centre Justo Piccardo. In total, 8 Los Pumas debutants from 2025 hailed from young South American league. Bringing players like these through probably did cost them a win against England in July, but it is giving them the depth they need to compete more consistently.
So, let us consider their World Cup credentials: Argentina always perform well at the event having made the semi-finals in 3 of the last 5 tournaments. They are hot favourites to top their pool – having secured top seeding – and will likely face their first real challenge in the quarter final against Ireland. Based on the current trajectory of both teams (and historical precedent) it is very realistic for Los Pumas to win that game.
They would then face their bogey team England in the semi-final. England have the easiest run of any team to that stage, so will probably be feeling fresh and confident. However, as discussed earlier, it will not be out of reach for Contepomi’s men to beat them. Were they to win out, all bets would be off for the final.
Is an Argentinian World Cup win the likely outcome? No, not at all. However, when we break it down, we see that it is far from impossible. Underrate them at your peril.