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Juan Imhoff on his ongoing Los Pumas abscence

Juan Imhoff gets a dose of the feels (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

Juan Imhoff says the constant strain of having to operate in a COVID bubble away from home means he is unlikely to be pulling on the Argentina jersey any time soon and is even debating his availability for the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France.

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The wing withdrew from this season’s November internationals due to coronavirus restrictions as the Pumas continued their difficult life on the road in the middle of a pandemic. They have played all their games away from home since August 2019 with players living in hotels during Test camps to reduce the risk of contracting Covid-19.

The 33-year-old did not play in this year’s Rugby Championship staged in Australia or the November tests, opting to stay with his club Racing 92 where he has delivered world class play since 2011.

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Imhoff told AFP: “For me, the bio-secure bubbles, the hotels, that Argentina are always the away team, that there’s no political weight so that we’re like the other nations, it’s bad for your physical and mental health.

“I would not enjoy rugby at all if I wasn’t good. So I came back to basics, to look after myself, my mental and physical health, so I can get back to my best. If Argentina need me I’ll be there.

“It’s difficult, the results aren’t coming. What’s worrying, is that we haven’t found an identity on the field, it will come because there are players who are very talented, they’re a team that work a lot.

“They just have to fine-tune things. There’s a lack of coordination, especially with the end of Super Rugby for the Jaguares. It’s not one detail why Argentina aren’t good right now, there are a lot of things.”

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Imhoff has won 33 caps and featured at two Rugby World Cups but does not know if will be with the team in France in 2023 where the Pumas will tackle a pool containing England, Japan and Samoa. “Honestly, I’m not thinking about it. I haven’t asked myself the question,” he said.

“I need to talk with my family. International rugby is a consequence of everyone’s level of performance. It’s not you who decides.”

There is also the question of where he will be playing next season as his Paris club contract is ending and he added: “It’s difficult to talk about that. I don’t know anything. I have an incredible affinity with this club. My whole family is linked to this club. It’s where I’m at home, I’ve never thought of leaving. I want the best for the club, it’s one of the best in the world.”

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R
RedWarrior 2 hours ago
The reason given by Steve Borthwick for latest England setback

So England are allowed to have a tsunami whinge fest about the ref but if an Irish fan points out that some decisions hurt Ireland also they are being petulant.

Honestly some English supporters are all politeness until they lose then the claws and fangs come out.

Ok here we go, not complaints just pointing out where England got away with roul play:

1: M Smiths headbutt on James Lowe that started the fracas with Stewart. If the ref spots that in time then thats a second yellow if not a straight red for Smith. Probably worth another 14 points with England gassed so a 41-10 final scoreline?

2: Itoje's several stamps on Hansens instep in a clear attempt to damage metatarsals. Straight red or if he is lucky, 10 in the bin.

3. Currys block on Baird to create a gap that Smith used to break the line. Penalty and possession for Ireland deep in England 22 with score at 0:0.

4: The correct decision for the Cunningham South dangerous tackle was a yellow. Lowe blew it by confronting him. The ref didn't give South or Lowe a yellow. The ref couldn't give Lowe a yellow anyway as the TMO would have informed him that m Smith alone started the previosu fracas and its not unreasonable for a player to react to being headbutted.


One last thing missing from English analysis

How is coming over to Dublin acting like you own the place, committing filthy cowardly off the ball cheap shots working out for you? I mean you clearly dont care that we think your team are a crowd of a$$holes but...... rugby wise, how is riling the Irish team to focus and get the best out of themselves against such unpleasant opposition working for you on the scoreboard?


Food for thought old boy!!!!

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TRENDING Many England fans echoing the same gripe following Six Nations loss Many England fans are saying the same thing after loss to Ireland
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