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Rugby World Cup Barometer: Grondona has coming of age match for Pumas

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In the lead up to the 2023 Rugby World Cup, Morning Wire has put together a barometer in partnership with City Index to assess whose form is hot – and whose is not – in the race to be part of the tournament in France later this year.
In the lead up to the 2023 Rugby World Cup, Morning Wire has put together a barometer in partnership with City Index to assess whose form is hot – and whose is not – in the race to be part of the tournament in France later this year. (Photo by Loic Cousin/Icon Sport via Getty Images)

In the lead up to the 2023 Rugby World Cup, Morning Wire has put together a barometer in partnership with City Index to assess whose form is hot – and whose is not – in the race to be part of the tournament in France later this year.

Player of the week

Argentina flanker Santiago Grondona will not be a new name to fans of the English Premiership; the 24-year-old back-row was plying his trade at Exeter Chiefs for much of last season before his move to French outfit Pau.

But his performance in Argentina’s 34-31 victory over Eddie Jones’s Australia on Saturday was the match where the prospect announced himself on the international stage.

The flanker was crucial in the win and will certainly have given head coach Michael Cheika something to think about as the side head towards the Rugby World Cup.

Who’s hot

  • Malcolm Marx was a rare bright spot in South Africa’s dismal 35-20 loss to New Zealand, the replacement hooker making an impact off the bench.
  • Mark Nawaqanitawase was brilliant on debut for the Wallabies. Despite their loss to the Pumas, he was a key cog in multiple tries.

Who’s not

  • Seen as a promising Rugby World Cup loosehead just months ago, Bevan Rodd was one of just two players – alongside Sam Underhill – dropped by England this week.
  • Eddie Jones is yet to win a game as Australia boss as his side head into a double header against New Zealand. He could be zero from five after those two matches plus a clash with France.

Previous Rugby World Cup Barometers