With the build up to the clash between the Argentina Rugby team and their England counterpart, it would be certain to believe that Paul Gustard was certainly at boiling point.
Having been a bit shaken by what he had referred to as an “unfair criticism” of the England with their concession of a late score and three tries by Fiji in the match against South Africa, the defense coach had convened a meeting of the players where he had a talk with them.
And while he refused to make known the reason and contents of the meeting, it is certain that he did not convene a meeting to whisper sweet nothings into the ears of the players.
Responding to the meeting, the England team turned in what Gustard took out time in an interview to describe as an “incredible performance” in the match against the Pumas.
England had played nearly the entire period of the match with just 14 men after Elliot Daly had been sent off following an incident. For two other 10 minutes period, they had played with 13 men after Dan Cole and Joe Marler had been sent to the sin bin.
Gustard, who had singled out man of the match, Chris Robshaw, Owen Farrell and Courtney Lawes for special praise had said after the match,
“I’m unbelievably proud of the players”
“We defended heroically. Some of the scramble defense, the desperation to get back, was the hallmark of what we’re about.
“We’re a good defensive team, we’re going to put you under pressure – you run at us, and we’re going to knock you down.
“Even though we were a man down, we got 27 spilled balls or turnovers against these guys, which was an incredible effort.”
Gustard also said he was proud to be associated with the team.