" A lack of respect ".
Mario Ledesma, the coach of the XV of Argentina, did not appreciate at all that his captain was "forgotten" in a promotional photo of the Rugby Championship, which is currently being held in Townsville, Australia.
Wallabies captains Michael Hooper, All Blacks Ardie Savea and Springbocks captains Siya Kolisi posed with the Rugby Championship trophy to promote the championship on Friday.
Pumas captain Julian Montoya was unable to attend as the Argentines had not yet arrived at the tournament venue.
¡Cumbre de líderes in #Townsville!
Michael #Hooper, Siya #Kolisi y Ardie #Savea junto al trofeo del #RugbyChampionship.
Julián #Montoya no pudo participar del evento debido a que se encontraba en viaje.
¿Es la tercera línea ideal?
6️⃣7️⃣8️⃣ 🔝 pic.twitter.com/wMYDrGMk00
- ScrumRugby (@ScrumESPN) September 24, 2021
" It hurts "
“We don't ask that much.
Last year, when South Africa withdrew, we came here, we went through strict containment.
We stayed away from home for three or four months and we are the only team that has not played at home for more than two years, ”Ledesma fulminated.
According to Australian media, the photoshoot should have been held in Gold Coast, where the previous Rugby Championship days were played, but it was moved to Townsville, and a schedule change in the Pumas' flight prevented them from being able to travel. participate.
“We spent three weeks within an hour to take the photo, and suddenly we end up 1,400 km away, we can't go there and that's where they take the photo.
(…) It's a lack of respect and it hurts a lot, ”regretted the Argentine coach.
“The only thing we ask is to be treated fairly and with respect.
In this case, obviously, that was not the case, ”he finally added.
Discussions on this subject should be held between Rugby Australia and Sanzaar, in charge of organizing the tournament.