Contepomi's contribution will be crucial

Vital role
By Duncan Wood
June 5 2002

Most English sports fans will be focussing on the England vs Argentina clash on Friday. Bristol rugby supporters will also be interested in the performance of the Pumas players in the Bristol lineup particularly the number 10.

He has turned out to be probably the most inspired signing in the Zurich Premiership in the last two seasons. Sure, he's up against some stiff competition but his value to the team can't be underestimated.

In 2000-1, he made 17 starts and 1 appearance off the bench. He scored 246 points from 6 tries, 1 drop goal, 53 penalties and 27 conversions. In 2001-2, he has so far made 20 starts and 3 appearances off the bench. He has scord 335 points from 12 tries, 2 drop goals, 65 penalties and 42 conversions. In short, he is averaging 14 points per appearance.

In the last few weeks, he has really made an impact. He scored a mere 12 points in the stunning victory at Welford Road but you have to bear in mind that he also created the three tries. He and Agustin Pichot took the game by the scruff of the neck and fully exploited the platform made for them by the forwards.

Saturday's semi final win over Northampton saw him produce an even more inspired performance. He scored all 32 of Bristol's points from 2 tries, 2 conversions and 6 penalties. In the second half, with the wind at his back, he tormented Northampton with his linekicking. He was also superb in defence. Who can forget the massive hit on Nick Beal?

I'm not suggesting that Bristol are a one man team, far from it. Felipe is also modest enough to acknowledge the work done by the rest of his team mates and did so in his post match interview on Sky.

However, he really is riding the crest of a wave at the moment. He seems to love the big occasion and he is going to adore the Twickenham experience. If he continues his recent form, Gloucester will have their work cut out to contain him.

Not bad for a guy who was not very well known outside Argentina when he signed for Bristol 18 months ago. Since that time, his development as a player has been astonishing to see.

It's also remarkable to think that he didn't really consider himself as a front line goalkicker when he arrived. The hours of practice with Mark Tainton have paid dividends.

The Bristol public will be hoping that this particular Argentinian number 10 has one more big game in him this season but will be nervous about what he can do to England in the tests this summer.