Playing Position: Centre
Club: Newman
Union: U.R.B.A.
Test Debut: 15/08/1998 vs. United States
2007: 2/6 vs. Ireland (1 try); 9/6 vs Italy
2006: 18/11 vs. Italy; 25/11 vs. France
2005: 5/11 vs. South Africa (1 try); 12/11 vs. Scotland
2004: 24/4: vs. Chile; 28/4: vs. Uruguay; 1/5: vs. Venezuela (1 try); 12/6: vs. Wales (1 try); 19/6 vs. Wales; 26/6 vs. New Zealand; 20/11: vs. France; 27/11: vs. Ireland; 4/12: vs. South Africa
2003: 3/5: vs. Uruguay (1 Try); 14/6: vs. France; 18/8: vs. Fiji; 27/8 vs. Uruguay; RWC: 10/10: vs. Australia; 22/10: vs. Romania (1 try).
1999: 21/8: vs. Scotland; 28/8: vs. Ireland; RWC: 1/10: vs. Wales; 10/10: vs. Western Samoa; 24/10: vs. France;
1998: 15/8: vs. USA (1 Try); 22/8: vs. Canada; 7/11: vs. Italy; 14/11: vs. France;
This is the third time Manuel takes part in a World Cup. His physical power and versatility to play in different positions amongst the backs were the major strengths that were taken into account when he was drafted into the national and provincial representative squads.
In 1999, this former Newman Club back reaffirmed his position in the Pumas team, but an injury in one of his knees prevented him from showing his full potential during the World Cup. Though Manuel recovered, a long series of injuries kept him away from the playing fields for two years.
Very few people imagined that "Manu" would make a comeback. However, he persevered, joined Newman's first team and had an outstanding performance during the course of the Buenos Aires Championship.
After this, he was called to join the representative teams. "Manu" made his comeback to the Pumas towards the end of 2002. Throughout 2003 he participated in all the calls to join the representative teams and after four years was able to play with his brother in the match against France held in Buenos Aires.
One of the milestones in Manuel's track record is a victory against New Zealand, a feat very few Argentine players can boast of. He achieved this victory in the U21 Southern Hemisphere Tournament in 1998. |