“Content and Positive, that´s my first reaction” – Jon Zabala
There was no disappointment and plenty of optimism from Spanish Head Coach Pablo Bouza and Captain Jon Zabala on a Rugby World Cup 2027 group that will feature hispanic giants Argentina, recent rivals Fiji and Canada. The group means Spain enter their first World Cup this millenium with a genuine belief that qualifying for the knockouts is achievable.
Speaking at the post Rugby World Cup draw press conference , Jon Zabala was keen to stress the quality within the side. “We have plenty of players at the elite level, this is a chance to compare ourselves.” With Jon at Pau, Joel Merkler at Toulouse and Álvaro García at Stade Francais just three of the ever growing contingent of Spanish players littered in the Top 14 and professional French pyramid. All told Spain could have over half their starting 15 at Top 14 clubs when they take the field in Australia.
“It´s a great game for me (vs Argentina at Rugby World Cup 2027) but well, I´m with Spain” – Pablo Bouza
When asked whether they were disappointed they had missed out on a “premium” tie versus the All Blacks or South Africa, Jon and Pablo were quick to dismiss it. For Jon “the prize is playing at the World Cup for Spain, not who we play” and Pablo? “I´m happy with the group”. As well he might be, although Pablo stressed the quality of Argentina there´s also the fact that Pablo will be coaching Spain against his own nation at the Rugby World Cup 2027 in what will be only the third Hispanic fixture at a Rugby World Cup.
Keeping it tight or bonus point tryfests? “It´s too early for that”- Pablo Bouza
The group also throws up another meeting against Fiji who Spain ran to the wire in Malaga in a game full of tries, tries that could lead to a crucial bonus point for the 3rd place finishers. So, will the structure of knowing you don´t need to win every game lead to a more expansive style of play to lay on the tries, regardless of the score? “That depends” responds Jon “It will obviously depend on the methodology of where we are and the game situation itself, on the feeling of the game. But there´s bonus points for defence too.”
“The only way to change those perceptions is on the field”
Finally, the historic perception of Rugby (fairly, it should be said) is that of an Anglosphere sport, with an Anglosphere bias in coverage and where the sport should grow . Indeed the recent funding changes of World Rugby to divert money to the USA away from South America may be a clear example of that mentality. But with four hispanic teams at the World Cup and three coming from South America , as an Argentinan himself, does Pablo hope that this Rugby World Cup may offer the chance to change the perception and give South American Rugby the support it deserves? “The only way to change those (Anglosphere) perceptions is on the field. By winning games at the World Cup and demonstrating it . Yes, World Rugby have a role but the way to demonstrate it is on the field.”
All photos used are with the permission of the Spanish Rugby Federation