The Wallabies’ forwards coach,with 84 Argentina appearances to his name, would appear to enjoy a foot in both camps before the Rugby World Cup semi-final but there is no split loyalty now he is in Michael Cheika’s campIt is perhaps comprehensible that Mario Ledesma, and the Argentinian who persuaded Australia’s forwards to finally plunge in love with the semi-mystical arts of scrummaging,has remained in the shadows this week. During the pool stages Ledesma, who represented Argentina with passion and distinction on 84 occasions during his playing career, and admitted that he was “praying every day” that the Wallabies and Los Pumas’ paths would not cross. Yet on Sunday they will tear into each other for a place in the World Cup final.
It has led to speculation that Ledesma is wrestling with split loyalties,with the head pulling one way and the heart tumbling the other. The Wallabies’ hooker James Hanson scoffs at the suggestion. “He’s 100% in as regards to the ride,” he tells the Guardian. “He wants to win at least as much as anyone else in this team – and he’s made that pretty clear to us.”Continue reading...
Source: theguardian.com