Pumas coach stands down

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The man who inspired Argentina to their first Test victory over the All Blacks in 2020 said it was a personal decision and nobody's fault to end his time with the side.

 

“It's not because of the players, or the staff, it's just the end of a cycle. It was something I had thought about and discussed with my family.”

Mario Ledesma

 

An 84-cap Test hooker for Argentina, Ledesma retired from playing in 2011 and moved into coaching with stints at Stade Francais, Montpellier, the Waratahs and then as scrum coach for the Wallabies.

 

He took on the Pumas role in 2018. They made significant advances under his tutelage and were inspiring when achieving their first win over the All Blacks.

 

The side was ravaged by Covid-19 and spent several months in a bubble in Australia. Unable to play, they concentrated on preparing for their first Test against the All Blacks. Their reward was a 25-15 upset win at Bankwest Stadium in Sydney.

 

The All Blacks proved much stronger a fortnight later when reversing the result 38-0.

 

However, they were unable to build on that initial win and in the 2021 Rugby Championship, the All Blacks rebounded to win both Tests 39-0 and 36-13.

 

Ledesma's record with the Pumas included eight wins, three draws and 22 losses.

 

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