Argentina heads into this weekend's Argentina Vs South Africa Rugby Test with questions about discipline as well as performance. World Rugby has charged fly-half Tomas Albornoz with misconduct after a tense finish against England, putting Argentina's conduct under scrutiny just before the meeting with South Africa in Buenos Aires.
The charge stems from events at the final whistle in Santiago del Estero, where Albornoz remonstrated with referee Angus Gardner and made physical contact with him. An object was also thrown at Gardner from the stands, adding to a week that has already drawn attention for incidents involving Argentina and England in both football and rugby.
What happened against England
Argentina lost 31-24 to England three days after footballers had paraded in Atlanta with a banner referencing the Falkland Islands after a come-from-behind semi-final win. That football episode brought one wave of criticism, and the rugby match added another when the final whistle incident became the focus.
Before Saturday's team selection, Albornoz will learn his fate after the World Rugby misconduct charge. The timing matters because Argentina now returns to the field under a wider spotlight, with its behavior being judged against a controversial week rather than just the result on the scoreboard.
What rugby voices are saying
Former Argentina player Federico Méndez said rugby gives players a chance to reflect and improve, but also stressed the responsibility that comes with the sport. He said that rugby people know the referee's word is final, and added that players must behave and control themselves.
Ben Youngs was even more direct, calling the conduct “totally disgraceful” and “unforgivable,” while saying he hoped bans would be handed out. He added that no-one wants to see that in the game.
The match against South Africa is widely billed as a warm-up for the Springboks ahead of their series against New Zealand, but for Argentina it is also something else: a chance to move past a week in which its discipline has become part of the story. If the team is to reset, it will need a cleaner showing on and off the ball.
