For a bunch of amateurs, they ain't half bad. They're highly skilled in their chosen professions and equally as talented with a ball in their hands. That's Argentina, who delighted fans over the weekend and just came up short against England in the Cup final last night.
What could they be if they devoted all their time to sevens? 'We'd be a lot better,' said captain Francisco Leonelli, a chilling thought for England and company.
Argentina boast a lineup of lawyers, journalists and doctors and other professionals, who just happen to be outstanding rugby players. 'We struggle because we don't get a lot of time to prepare,' Leonelli said after another lion-hearted performance.
'The physical difference is very big with other teams so we have to offset that with lots of guts and technique. It is not easy for us. Sometimes the teams are stronger and faster. But our preparation is better all the time. For sure we can improve. If we get more time training, improve our physical condition and our game, we would get better. We are doing things better off the field with a structure for players and officials. We are changing little things to make it better and it's showing on the field.
'We're trying to keep the same players in each sevens and that is very good because we know each other. We are very close to each other. Our future is bright as we have very young players.'
Argentina joined the elite teams by beating New Zealand in Los Angeles last month, a victory considered as a shock. Not any longer. They showed they had the Kiwis number by beating them again, in the semi-finals yesterday, 19-17.
'To win twice in a row against New Zealand is amazing because rugby is almost a religion for them. After beating them in Los Angeles we knew they would be after us.'
