The Pumas were beaten 31-12 by England but were 6-0 ahead on the second-half scoreboard before former Scarlets No8 Ben Morgan crossed with just a couple of minutes remaining.
The trip to London was Houracde’s first match in charge since taking over from Santiago Phelan last month and he believes his side have arrived in Cardiff on a stronger footing as they look to repeat last season’s 26-12 success.
“We didn’t have a good start against England. We were much better in the second half and that’s how we need to start the game against Wales on Saturday,” said Hourcade.
“It is my second game but I am not new to the players, they know me and they know the system. But, of course, with every training session I can learn more and they can get used to me. We are getting more confident with each other.”
Hourcade has made four changes to his team as he aims to take a look at his options in the build up to the 2015 Rugby World Cup but there is no suggestion that this is a weaker outfit than the one that kicked off the three-match tour six days ago.
And while the former World Cup semi-finalists may be on an unwanted losing streak, six of the last seven defeats have come against Australia, South Africa and New Zealand and Houracde is convinced his men have benefited greatly from their ascension to the Rugby Championship.
“The Argentinean team is in a process of development. Playing in the Rugby Championship has given us more experience and we are focussed on getting better. It’s the only way to improve,” added Houracde.
“Playing against the Southern Hemisphere sides has been a big jump it has made us grow up very quickly and that’s been good for us.
“Before we started playing in the Rugby Championship people said we would get beaten by a lot of points, but now they want results. It’s a good sign because it shows we are doing well and people expect more of this team. But it will take time.”
