Although Michael Cheika is not known for his speechless moments during his rugby career, the news that an Argentinian supporter had gotten a tattoo with the Aussie coach after the win over the All Blacks last week was a good example.
Los Pumas shocked the rugby world when they defeated the All Blacks last Saturday with a win of 25-18 in Christchurch. This result delighted South American fans in both the Garden City as well as back home in Argentina.
A fan fell in love with the results and decided to have Cheika’s image tattooed on his hind. Images of the delicious art went viral quickly.
It was discussed in Hamilton on Thursday, just after Cheika announced his team for Saturday’s match.
Cheika smiled and said, “I love fans”
“You are playing rugby for your fans. They’re extremely important.”
Cheika began to wonder what Cheika should say to that fan as a permanent reminder of their win.
“I am not certain where this tattoo is, nor what its look like. But thanks!”
Cheika has made four changes to his lineup for Saturday’s match with lock Guido Petti, backrower Santiago Grondona, scrumhalf Tomas Cubelli and winger Santiago Cordero all are promoted from the bench to the starting 15.
In turn lock Matias Alemanno, scrumhalf Gonzalo Bertranou, flanker Juan Martin Gonzalez — a try-scorer in the first Test — and winger Lucio Cinto drop from the starting lineup to the bench. Flyhalf Benjamin Urdapilleta joins the reserves, displacing Tomás Albornoz.
Cheika claimed that it would take a lot to beat New Zealand in New Zealand two times.
“We know it’s difficult,” Cheika said.
“There’s a little bit there because Ireland were able to do it a couple of times this year so that give us some hope around how to look at doing it.
“We’ve tried to prepare and try that when it’s difficult we enjoy it. When the challenge is big or situation in a game is tough that we try and thrive in that moment.”
Argentina: 15. Juan Cruz Mallia, 14. Emiliano Boffelli, 13. Matias Moroni, 12. Matias Orlando, 11. Santiago Cordero, 10. Santiago Carreras, 9. Tomas Cubelli, 8. Pablo Matera, 7. Marcos Kremer, 6. Santiago Grondona, 5. Tomas Lavanini, 4. Guido Petti, 3. Joel Sclavi 2. Julian Montoya (captain), 1. Thomas Gallo.
Reserves: 16. Santiago Socino, 17. Mayco Vivas, 18. Eduardo Bello, 19. Matias Alemanno, 20. Juan Martin Gonzalez 21. Gonzalo Bertranou, 22. Benjamin Urdapilleta, 23. Lucio Cinto