Juan Martín Hernández

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Juan Martín Hernández (born August 7th, 1982 in Buenos Aires) is an Argentine rugby union player who currently plays for the French club Stade Français and the Argentina national team. Hernández is a "utility back" capable of playing fly-half, centre, or fullback, though he generally prefers fly half.

Hernández made his test debut for Los Pumas versus Paraguay on April 2003. Since then he has earned over 20 caps for his national team.

His uncle Patricio Hernández^[1] was part of the Argentina squad for the 1982 FIFA World Cup.

His sister María de la Paz "Maripa" Hernández^[2], won a silver medal with the Argentina hockey team at the 2000 Summer Olympics and a bronze medal at the 2004 Summer Olympics.

[edit] Career

[edit] Club

Hernández began his rugby career at the amateur club Deportiva Francesa in Buenos Aires.In 2003 he moved to Paris to play professionally for Stade Français, one of the top clubs in France and Europe. He has seen much success with Stade Français; winning the domestic championship in 2004, as well as being runners-up in the domestic championship and the European Heineken Cup in 2005. In 2006 he was named fullback of the year. This award has coincided with many commentators naming Hernández the world's best fullback^[3][4][5].

[edit] International

Hernández made his debut for Argentina against Paraguay on April 27, 2003. Appearing in the starting line up, he helped the Pumas to a 144-0 victory. Following a further five Tests for Argentina in May, June and August of 2003, Hernández was included in Argentina's squad for the 2003 Rugby World Cup. He came on in the opening game of the tournament against the Wallabies, as well as starting in the games against Namibia and Romania.

Following the 2003 World Cup, Hernández next played for Argentina in November 2004, starting against France, Ireland and the Springboks. He earned another three Test caps on the November tour the following season. He was then capped twice against Wales and once against the All Blacks.

Hernández was unexpectedly picked at outside half for the opening game of the 2007 World Cup against France on 7 September 2007. His scintillating form, particularly with the boot, kept him as first choice in that position during Argentina's run to the semi-finals, and he subsequently scored three drop goals in the pool match with Ireland and another in the quarter final victory over Scotland.

Hernández was nominated by the IRB as one of the five candidates for the 2007 International Player of the Year award, which was won by Bryan Habana.

[edit] Statistics

[edit] Tests

• 2006: 17/6 vs. Wales; 24/6 vs. New Zealand; 11/11 vs. England; 18/11 vs. Italy; 25/11 vs. France
• 2005: 5/11 vs. South Africa; 12/11 vs. Scotland; 19/11 vs. Italy
• 2004: 20/11: vs. France; 27/11: vs. Ireland; 4/12: vs. South Africa
• 2003: 27/4: vs. Paraguay; 3/5: vs. Uruguay; 14/6: vs. France; 20/6: vs. France (1 try); 28/6: vs. South Africa (1 try); 30/8 vs. Canada. Rugby World Cup: 10/10: vs. Australia; 14/10: vs. Namibia; 22/10: vs. Romania (2 Tries).

[edit] Tours

• 2007: England (Vs Northampton and Leicester)
• 2006: England, Italy & France
• 2005: Scotland & Italy
• 2004: France & Ireland
• 2003: South Africa - Australia Rugby World Cup
• 2002: Italy & Ireland

[edit] References

[edit] External links

• (English) Juan Martín Hernández at UAR.com.ar
• (French) Stade Français
• [1]