‘Lots of things to improve’: Argentina’s Julian Montoya reacts to loss

Julian Montoya offered a candid assessment of Argentina’s tough 37-23 loss to France in Paris on Friday evening. The captain highlighted Los Pumas’ slow start and the team’s poor discipline as areas of concern after their final Autumn Nations Series match of the year.

On the back of a historic run in The Rugby Championship which saw Argentina beat New Zealand, Australia and South Africa in the same tournament for the first time, Los Pumas travelled north as they set sights on more headline-grabbing upsets.

Argentina smashed Italy 50-18 and came close to knocking off Ireland in a 22-19 loss in Dublin, but they had one more match to play before the season came to a close. France were up next, which pitted a Rugby World Cup semi-finalist against a northern hemisphere heavyweight.

But with Thibaud Flament, Gabin Villiere, Louis Bielle-Birrey scoring five-pointers, and a penalty try going France’s way, it seemed the hosts were always in control. Argentina had the last laugh with Ignacio Ruiz scoring with just over 10 minutes to play, but time wasn’t on their side.

At the end of an incredible season which saw Argentina make some unforgettable history, they were handed a one-sided 14-point loss. Players were visibly disappointed after the full-time whistle at Stade de France, but their captain remained as proud as ever of Los Pumas.

“First of all I want to say thank you to all the Argentina people that came here to Paris to support us and the people that support us from home. To us it’s very important,” Montoya said on the post-game broadcast.

“We didn’t start the way we wanted. Our discipline wasn’t good, two yellow cards.

“What I think it good and (why) I’m proud of the team is the way we went for the game until the 80^th minute.

“But lots of things to improve. Now we need to look inside each other; what do we need to do better… but I’m proud of this team as always.”

It would’ve taken an incredible effort for Argentina to wrestle their way back into the lead after going into the sheds at half-time down 30-9. France had scored three tries, but it was the goal-kicking boot of flyhalf Thomas Ramos that seemed to do the most damage.

Whenever Argentina pivot Tomas Albornoz converted a penalty, Ramos lined up a shot at goal usually within a few minutes to cancel out the score. Les Bleus ran riot as the proud Parisian crowd well and truly got behind their rugby heroes with a chorus of cheers and songs.

The second half was more of a battle with Argentina ‘winning’ that period 14-7, with Thomas Gallo scoring the other try for the visitors, but the damage had been done. Argentina finished the year with a 50 per cent winning record, with six wins from their 12 Tests in 2024.

“I’m proud of this team always, not just when we do things all right,” Montoya added.

“We were in a tough position and we need to embrace those moments and come together stronger. We win together and we lose together.”