Following a frustrating opening day at the Perth 7’s in Western Australia, Argentina rebounded and completed a strong finish at the tournament. After a winless opening day, Los Pumas 7’s secured victories on day two and finished the tournament in 5th place.
Los Pumas 7’s fell to a 26-10 defeat to Fiji first up. The Fly Fijians were dominant. The South Americans scored two tries with Pedro de Haro and Santino Zangara scoring once each. Neither try was converted.
Argentina improved for game two but were again on the losing end. South Africa won the contest 19-12 with Los Pumas 7’s counting the costs of both injuries and errors. Marcos Moneta and Santino Zangara scored for Argentina. The scores were tied before Donavan Don gave the Africans a late victory.
It was similar against Spain to round out Day One. Los Pumas 7’s fell to a 26-19 defeat with Francisco Cosculluela claiming victory for Los Leones 7’s with time up. Santino Zangara and Marcos Moneta were again the try scorers for Argentina with Moneta crossing twice.
The Day One results meant Argentina was out of contention for the Perth 7’s title. This put an end to Argentina’s winning streak at the event. South Africa dethroned Argentina by defeating Fiji 21-19 to claim the title on Day Two.
Argentina rebounded on Day Two. Los Pumas 7’s completed a thumping 47-12 win over France first-up. It was a Fifth-Place Semi Final. Pedro De Haro scored two tries while Gregorio Perez Pardo, Marcos Moneta, Santiago Vera Feld, Valentin Maldonado Castro, and Juan Patricio Batac also all scored. France’s Andy Timo was red carded for a spear tackle on Marcos Moneta.
Moneta was not hurt in the reckless tackle. He was free to play against Spain in the Fifth-Place Final and scored the opening try in what was a 24-19 victory. Matteo Graziano, Pedro De Haro and Luciano Gonzalez also touched down for the South Americans.
Attention now turns to the Vancouver 7’s. The tournament will take place on March 07-08 in Western Canada’s largest city. Pools for the Canadian event have been confirmed. Los Pumas 7’s will compete in Pool B against Australia, Fiji and France. Pool B will be comprised of Great Britain, New Zealand, South Africa and Spain.
