Los Pumas 2011 RWC campaign sustains major blow as Gonzalo Tiesi ruled out by injury
The Argentinean national Rugby Union team’s 2011 Rugby World Cup (RWC) campaign was delivered a major blow as their pivotal backs’ player, Gonzalo Tiesi, has been ruled out of the tournament with an injury.
Tiesi sustained injury to his right knee during their 2011 RWC opening encounter against England at Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin on Saturday, September 10. He left the field during the 36th minute of the game after the England’s lock Courtney
Lewis’ tackle on the Pumas’ centre.
Tiesi was brought into the Pumas starting XV ahead of their important Pool B encounter with England. However, the absence of their star and experienced player will definitely hamper the Pumas progress in the ongoing global rugby tournament.
The Buenos Aires born Tiesi started his professional career in Argentina. Later, at the start of the 2005 season, he joined the Aviva Premiership side London Irish. At the end of the 2007/08 season, he parted ways with the Irish and joined the Harlequins.
At the start of the 2010/11 season, Tiesi joined the French Top 14 outfit Stade Francais, where he plays alongside many of his national team’s mates.
The 26-year-old Tiesi made his international debut for Argentina against the touring South African side at his home ground on December 4, 2004. He so far has made 29 international appearances for the Pumas, which includes 27 starts and has scored 30 points
for them.
Besides, Tiesi, Pumas are also waiting on the news of their captain and star fly half Felipe Contepomi. He left the field at the end of the first half with a rib injury. Team officials are yet to confirm his availability for the Pumas upcoming encounter.
However, they have confirmed that Contepomi’s ribs are not broken. The statement released by the staff read, “There is no fracture. It's only bruising. He is in a lot of pain and we will just have to see how it goes. We will wait till tomorrow (Monday)
to see whether he will be able to play against Romania.”
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