Elisalex

To say that we are extremely happy and proud from our Pumas is not enough. Rugby was a sport for the elite for many years, most players learned in exclusive private schools, founded by the British or the Irish communities, but this was the past. Nowadays, there are dozens of rugby clubs throughout Argentina, each year we have thousands of new players. Indeed as I said the huge Irish and British communities had a remarkable role when they introduced rugby in our country with the turn of the XIX century, like they did with others as well (polo, tennis, football). We had failed as a nation in many fields in the past decades, but at least in sports we are doing quite well. In the case of rugby thanks to our Pumas, in particular the Contempomi brothers, chiefly Felipe, Agustin Pichot, Juan Martin Hernandez, Corleto and the rest of our team, had shown not only that they are magnificent players, but true gentlemen as well, they never played in a dirty or disloyal way, fair play is part of their way of life and way of playing. If they win the match this Sunday, the whole nation will “serrer les rangs” with them, we love and cherish them as our best ambassadors in the world, like Adolfo Cambiaso or the Pieres brothers are in polo. Last but not least we hope that they will win the World Cup, but if this does not happen, just to play the semi-final is a great achievement. We are quite aware that the Springboks are not an easy team, perhaps the best in this World Cup, they demolished England in their first match, but we must wait and see. Our Pumas were received by many in Europe with a high degree of contempt, was not the case of the English press, but the rugby world should recognize that our Pumas are capable of winning any tournament, they have a duty to accept this fact and not blocked their chances to play other championships like the one between SA, NZ and Australia, or the European one. We must be grateful with the London Telegraph, The Times and other British and Irish papers as well for its wonderful and quite unbiased coverage of our Pumas campaign and to you dear Pumas eternal glory and we salute you with all our hearts and minds, wishing you a complete triumph until you reach the title, with our Good Lord’s help.

Luke McAlistar

Its great to hear about the rise of rugby in Argentina, they have always been a good side but they have really made a big step up in this world cup. I am a big fan of Corletto, but there are plenty of other excellent players in the current Argentinean side, good luck to them on sunday.

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McAlistars the man

Elisalex

Luke you are a true British or Scottish gentleman, and I imagine a wonderful rugby player. Your wishes show that you have a deep sense of fair play and justice, thanks again and I hope that our Pumas will win this Sunday, as I said before they must concentrate themselves a lot, try to focus in the game and be ready for the wonderful South African team, they will not pardon any mistake. Cheers Luke and I wish you all the best, nice chap

Luke McAlistar

Your making me blush , the Argentina side have gained many fans over this world cup, all the best to them.

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McAlistars the man

Elisalex

Dear Luke don’t blush, we are flattered that you as other Scots are taking our cause, perhaps the never-ending rivalry with England has something to do with it? Many years ago, when I we were just kids our parents took us to Saint Andrew’s and we visit the town were one of my ancestors was born in the Highlands. I love Scotland and I find you a very sincere, straightforward, simple and nice people. Do you know my good new friend that the first rugby team was organized in Argentine by five Scots, Mr Sean Drysdale, James Robertson, Charles Dougall, Alexander Mac Alistair and Robert Chantrill Bell. My great grandfather Thomas Bruce Leighton was one who started playing for Saint Andrew’s Scots School, this was the first rugby team in Argentina, the second was organized by the Irish who arrived as a consequence of the potato famine or religious persecutions in Ireland (Home Rule times). Indeed were the Scots who taught us rugby. Four generations of my family from my mother side played this wonderful game, which is the best to prepare kids for facing life, giving them sense of working in a teem and a good friendship for ever. I am delighted to read your answers, yours Elisabeth Sophia Alexandra v. W.z. H.