I’ve chosen this as a defining moment not because it changed the outcome of the tournament as such. What it did show however is the Argentinian attitude towards the French, and perhaps all opponents they came up against.
By not giving an inch and fronting up to the big men, Argentina showed that there is perhaps no place for intimidation in rugby anymore. This attitude combined with some exceptionally talented players got them to their prestigious third place in the tournament.
The tackle itself is questionable, and Leguizamon did get carded for it. It’s up for debate though as some people will say he used his arms and others will say it was a definate shoulder. Sebastien Chabal also looked to perform somewhat of a spectacularly exagerated dive after contact.
There’s no doubt it was a massive hit either way, and for sticking the iconic hard man of French rugby on his backside, this will be a 2007 World Cup moment thats lasts in the memory for years to come.
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