Argentina building to a crescendo
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Although Argentina have not managed a win in the Championship thus far, assistant coach Raúl Pérez believes their progress has been impressive as they look to take on the World Champions this weekend.
Ranked No.12 in the world, it might have been felt that the Pumas would struggle against the number one, two and three ranked teams in the world, however only once have they failed to pick up a losing bonus point.
Argentina also have the advantage of finishing the tournament with two home games, with their best result (31-33 against the Springboks) coming at home in Salta.
Pérez believes that even with the competition winding down, his team are still growing and they might even reach a stage where they can record their first ever win in the Rugby Championship.
"We want to keep growing as a team, even though the tournament is in its final phase and the guys are starting to feel the wear and tear of high quality rugby," the assistant coach said ahead of their clash with New Zealand.
"What it means for us is that we need to keep our mind strong even if the body is suffering.
"The players have racked up plenty of minutes now and that has actually helped us achieve continuity."
In Australia a fortnight ago, Argentina came close to snatching a draw with the Wallabies, with a late scrum free-kick costing them a chance to draw level.
"The game in Australia gave us a mental boost, we fought back hard and showed some true character to get so close to achieving our first win in the competition," the coach added.
However, this weekend the Pumas will be going up against the World Champions and Pérez knows it is not simply dealing with the impressive attacking powers of the All Blacks, it is just as much about handling their defensive pressure.
"I think New Zealand press and pressure you even when they do not have the ball, they rely on defensive pressure that leads to turnovers," the coach continued.
"That is why it is essential to keep mentally strong against a team like the All Blacks.
"We have been growing game by game and we'll just have to see what happens this Saturday."
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