Argentina's rugby team walked out for their Nations Championship clash with England on Saturday wearing a replica of Diego Maradona's 1986 World Cup kit, just days after the country's football team sealed their place in the World Cup final by beating England in Atlanta.
Heightened Tensions After Football Semi-Final
The midweek football match had stirred up old issues, with Argentina's players holding a banner afterwards referencing the Falkland Islands. As such, the second Anglo-Argentina sporting clash was expected to be niggly, with Henry Pollock having already wound up fans in Buenos Aires earlier this week.
However, few would have expected Los Pumas to walk out on Saturday night wearing a dark blue kit almost identical to the one worn by Argentina's 1986 World Cup-winning football side. Maradona famously dragged his country to glory in that year's World Cup in Mexico, with perhaps his most famous contribution being the two goals against England in the quarter-final.
Maradona's Iconic Goals
Wearing the dark blue jersey, the two goals couldn't have been more different. One was a blatant handball past Peter Shilton that was dubbed the 'Hand of God', the other was a marvellous solo effort that saw him glide past most of Bobby Robson's side.
Speaking on commentary as Argentina walked out in the football jersey, ITV commentator Nick Mullins said: "And here come the rugby team sporting a replica football shirt. One that Argentina wore when they beat Argentina in the 1986 World Cup, Diego Maradona and all of that. They're just rubbing it in now. There's no need for that."
Former England prop David Flatman added: "They are actively taking the mick now. They're taking liberties. It's a cool jersey though. I'm outraged but I sort of want to get my hands on one."
Kit Replication and On-Field Tensions
Both kits were made by Le Coq Sportif, perhaps allowing Argentina to replicate the kit so closely. As expected, tensions boiled over in the early stages, with the two sides coming together following Tommy Freeman's early try.
