Argentina will be attempting to build on their superb opening 50 minutes against the All Blacks in New Zealand last week – a performance which saw the Pumas hang with the world champions in their own backyard for over half of the contest. “We didn’t lose any throws although we dropped a couple of balls”. Now with Daniel Hourcade we’ve developed stronger rugby.
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“Whenever they started playing Rugby Championship and now Super Rugby that was the main focus, on skills”.
“I get a lot of bagging over there, some calls and everybody treating me like I’m a traitor or something but it’s all good”, he joked.
Veteran Pumas flanker Juan Manuel Leguizamon said the pain of last year’s World Cup defeat hadn’t prompted thoughts about revenge this week.
Speaking after the drought-breaking win over South Africa, which snapped a six-match losing streak, Cheika flagged the likelihood of more players making their global debuts before the Spring Tour.
“Just because we won last week, it doesn’t mean all the issues have gone away”, Cheika said.
“I know the Pumas very well, I know their footy”.
Wallabies defence coach Nathan Grey said Alaalatoa’s injury was disappointing, especially with how he had played this year.
Cheika has urged his side to play with more freedom, saying they were too hesitant at times against the Springboks.
Key to the Pumas’ rising fortunes this year is Nicolas Sanchez, their sharp-shooting No.10. He was also a key signing for the Jaguares when the UAR adopted the policy that only domestically signed players be eligible for Test duty. In a coup for the union, Sanchez left French club Toulon to join the Jaquares, alongside fellow internationals Agustin Creevy and Joaquin Tuculet.
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“When Graham arrived I remember he said that we needed to create more tries”. There was a moment, when I was playing in Toulon at a good level and had the chance to stay there, that it crossed my mind to stay in Europe. “For me that was significant”.
