On the eve of tomorrow’s clash between Wales and Argentina at the Millennium Stadium, the former Pumas skipper answers a few questions from Graeme Gillespie.
What will the Pumas hope to get out of the game against Wales tomorrow at the Millennium Stadium?
The Pumas come from a long preparation process where recently they beat a lesser opponent – the match with Wales will give us a real feeling of where the team is. For Argentina it is very difficult to get matches before the Rugby World Cup, and Wales opened its doors to us and that is to be recognized. I remember playing against Wales in 2007 and although we lost, it went very well. Argentina is looking to reach its highest level in New Zealand and this will be a great experience to feed the dream.
The fact Los Pumas did so well in the last World Cup, does that place extra pressure on the team?
The pressure is always there whenever you wear the Pumas jersey, and to reach the maximum is a quest that inspires the whole Argentine team. But in no way do we look back and compare with the past, the current Argentinean team wants to do its best, always.
How important is it to do well against Wales in your dress rehearsal for the World Cup in New Zealand?
We would like the team to play well always, but this match is important because it helps to gain confidence. Watching things go well in the field is critical to the dream of something greater, and the Pumas are going with that attitude.
This is Argentina’s first Test of the year, is that a handicap to Los Pumas?
The Pumas are used to struggling with these problems all the time, but we got ahead with heart and passion. That passion is our identity, Wales are very similar in that respect.
Are there any ‘unknown’ players within the Los Pumas squad you expect big things of?
There are many leaders in the Pumas side. Felipe Contepomi is a great leader, then there are experienced players such as [Mario] Ledesma, [Rodrigo] Roncero and [Martin] Scelzo. Then there’s the new generation, such as [Juan] Fernandez Lobbe, [Patricio] Albacete, [Juan Manuel] Leguizamón, [Gonzalo] Tiesi and [Horacio] Agulla… and many others. I have great faith in the current team.
Will Los Pumas enjoy playing at the Millennium Stadium (do you have any memories of the stadium yourself).
Some of my best memories involve the Millennium Stadium. I was with the Pumas in the opening game of RWC 1999 when we played Wales. I also scored my first try in a World Cup game when I scored against Japan. Although I wasn’t on the field due to injury, the Pumas tied 25-25 with the British & Irish Lions in 2005. I can also not forget we got a victory in 2003 (30-16), the first time against the Reds Dragons at home. I have great memories from my career in Cardiff and the Millennium Stadium.
How highly do you rate Wales?
Wales are a great team, first class team. The side has passion for the game with Wales always a very difficult side to play. Wales is an exemplary team. It has everything you want in a side, and indeed it was not long ago, they were the best team in Europe. Tomorrow will be a very interesting and worthwhile challenge for Los Pumas.
Which players do you hold in high regard for Wales?
I have fond memories of many, but I had a special relationship with the brothers Quinnell, Scott and Craig, from when we played together in Richmond, and also Allan Bateman. Also I have a special admiration for Shane Williams and Neil Jenkins. I have great admiration for the 70s generation whom I learned a lot from when I was a kid, like Gareth [Edwards], Gerald [Davies], JPR [Williams] and Derek Quinnell
