Vamos Pumas
Last updated: 12th October 2007
Juan Leguizamon on the charge for Argentina
In a country where football is king, the oval ball is certainly making waves as Argentina continue their march to the World Cup finals.
In fact the Pumas have made such an impact back home, that even the epic football derby between Boca Juniors and Riverplate had it's kick off time changed so that it did not clash with Argentina's quarter-final duel with Scotland.
And while the Puma players are beginning to get accustomed to celebrating victories over the likes of Scotland Ireland and France, the response back home is something new all together.
"It is crazy, that is one of the biggest events in Argentina, it is like Real Madrid v Barcelona...and they moved it to watch us? It is just crazy, said Argentina and London Irish flanker Juan Leguizamon.
Leguizamon's disbelief is mirrored by Sale's Argentinean star Juan Martin Fernandez who is surprised as the rest of the squad about the reception back home
"I spoke with my family back home and they say it is just gone crazy," added Fernandez Lobbe.
"Argentina is football and football is everything. But now days taxi drivers and everyone is talking about rugby. That is good, because they can see that we play with a lot of passion and that we love our country.
But just how far will this craziness go? Argentina have the daunting prospect of meeting the other unbeaten side left in the tournament. South Africa.
And if the Springboks are not up to their best in the pack and in defence, well Argentina will be waiting to make them pay.
"I dream of winning it," admitted Juan Martin Fernandez.
"Every night when I go to bed I dream of dancing in the Stade De France, going crazy."
