*Read the article and do the activities below: (March 15th 2008)
The little general: Argentina's Agustín Pichot rallies his troops
PARIS, 11 October - Argentina have been one of the surprise packages of the tournament, winning their pool and advancing to the semi-finals for the first time at a rugby world cup.At the core of their success is scrum half Agustín Pichot, who wears the captain's badge with honour and his heart on his sleeve.At his fourth world cup, equalling Pedro Sporleder's Argentina record, Pichot has seen the Pumas evolve from under-performers to be ranked fourth in the world."In '99 there were political problems involved," Pichot said. "That certainly taught me how to behave as a captain and a player. It taught me discipline, order and a great love of the game."And then (coach) Marcelo (Loffreda) joined us and he gave something else to our game."Pichot, Argentina's fifth most-capped player (69) after making his debut in 1995, is quick to deflect any praise and credits the Pumas' squad strength for their recent success. "This team is more than just a (Juan Martín) Hernández or a (Felipe) Contepomi," he said. "I have been playing in the national team for several years and it's hard to find a group with such well-defined goals."
Pichot's battle on Sunday with in-form South Africa number 9 Fourie du Preez should be intriguing and might well determine the outcome of the match.The 33-year-old from Buenos Aires, who will join Racing Club de France in the second division after the tournament, will rely not only on his tactical nous and brilliant passing game to try to extend the Pumas' world cup-winning streak to six."If we look at the English match, playing well or playing badly, if you play with your heart on your sleeve, it becomes more than just a game."
Activity 1: Having read the article match the words in A with their corresponding meaning in B
-----------A --------------------------B
1.- surprise packages --------------a.- series of successes
2.-At the core of ------------------b.-curious
3.- wears his heart on his sleeve. -c.-intelligence/common sense
4.- under-performers ---------------d.-unexpected team
5.- most-capped player -------------e.-shows his feelings openly
6.- deflect (any praise) -----------f.- the result
7.- intriguing ---------------------g.-in the centre of
8.- the outcome --------------------h.- awarded the post of captain
9.- his (tactical) nous ------------i.-not at the same level of the rest
10.-winning streak -----------------j.- turn aside
Activity 2: Answer
1.- Why is Pichot compared to a general?
2.- Had the Pumas been expected to reach the semi finals?
3.- What distinguishes Pichot from other players?
4.- How are the Pumas ranked right now?
5.- What has rugby taught Pichot?
6.- Who gave the team sothing extra?
7.- When did Pichot make his debut?
8.- What elements does Pichot consider important for his team?
9.- How old is he and where will he play after the World Cup?
10.- What do you expect to happen next Sunday? (opinion!)
Keys:
Activity 1:
1.- d -- 2.- g -- 3.- e -- 4.- i -- 5.- h -- 6.- j -- 7.- b -- 8.- f -- 9.- c -- 10.- a
*Thursday 11 October 2007 By Mick Donohoe (From Paris)
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