England vs Argentina

Now obviously I took no little joy in the stunning 25-18 victory by Argentina over England at Twickenham on Saturday.  However, what annoyed me the most was the attitude of the media and the English afterwards.  In all the interviews, post-match comment and reports, virtually no mention was made about Argentina - it was all about the English mistakes, lack of preparation, management and specifically Andy Robinson.

This is exactly why England are perceived in rugby circles to be arrogant.  If they are winning, then calls are made to scrap the VI Nations and join the southern hemisphere sides.  If they are losing, then it is immediately all to do with England and nothing to do with the skill of the opposition.  Now I appreciate that it was an under-strength Argentina side, but they still contributed massively to the game, both in forcing and punishing the English mistakes, and in the importance of the result for their own history and future.

When Wales in the recent past have been regularly losing to the likes of Argentina, Italy and Samoa, then there has been a media storm but we have always acknowledged the prowess and acievement of the opposition.  And I say that after a poor second half against a rapidly improving Pacific Islands team.