ARGENTINA skipper Gus Creevy believes the Pumas will build on their historic maiden Rugby Championship victory earlier this month against Australia.
Hooker Creevy was joined by Worcester Warriors team-mate Leonardo Senatore as the Pumas finally broke their duck in the southern hemisphere tournament at the 18th attempt.
Creevy has been back at Sixways for the past fortnight.
But this week he was named as Pumas captain in their three-match European tour, which kicks off against Scotland at Murrayfield on Saturday, November 8.
Cheltenham-based Creevy says he is expecting to return to Warriors action in December.
“It was great for us to get our first win in the Rugby Championship against Australia because we had been working on it for the past three years,” he said.
“It was special for Leo too because he is a friend. I love playing in the same team as him in Worcester and for the Pumas.
“It was gratifying to finally get a win and it should act as a good spur for the next year with the World Cup in mind.”
The Pumas fought back from a 14-0 deficit to edge Australia 21-17 in Mendoza with stand-off Nicolas Sanchez starring with the boot.
“People went crazy at the end,” recalled Creevy.
“I had imagined what it would be like to get our first win and it felt exactly how I thought it would — it was a very special day.
“The media and the local people took to the team and it was great for the Pumas and, hopefully, that’s the start of something special.
“A lot of players who figured in our last game actually play in Argentina, where it is an amateur sport.”
Creevy said it had been a huge challenge facing New Zealand, South Africa and Australia on a home-and-away basis in the intensive tournament.
“It was a massive challenge for all of us,” said Creevy.
“We played against the top two ranked teams in the world in New Zealand and South Africa and then the fourth-ranked team Australia, who are one place behind England.
“It’s a really proud moment when you captain your country — it’s the best thing that has happened in my rugby career.
“Playing against the best team in the world is very hard.
“New Zealand are the best team in the world and they have been the toughest matches of my life.
“South Africa run straight at you and are very strong and physical.
“Australia are more about speed, while New Zealand are physical and have speed.”
Creevy has settled back into life at Warriors and watched the side’s 27-23 British and Irish Cup victory against Munster ‘A’ last weekend.
“When I returned, I saw a different club with more structure and more professionalism and a really good group,” said Creevy.
“I want to play for Worcester. I don’t know when I will be playing again but it will probably be in December.”
After Argentina’s match in Scotland, the Pumas face Italy in Genoa a week later and then travel to Paris to tackle France on Saturday, November 22.
The Pumas have been drawn in Pool ‘C’ at next year’s World Cup alongside holders New Zealand, Georgia, Tonga and Namibia.
But, before that, Creevy says Argentina will play in a shortened version of the Rugby Championship and have a cup match against South Africa.
He believes there is no reason why Warriors fly-half Ignacio Mieres can’t win back his place in the Argentina squad.
Creevy added: “I have spoken a lot with Ignacio – he needs to play and he is doing well for Worcester.
“He’s an excellent player with a lot of quality. Maybe he can get back into the Pumas squad. Why not?”
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