Argentina targeting strong start
The Pumas made it all the way to the semifinals and finished fourth overall in England. They also picked up an historic win against the Springboks last year in The Rugby Championship.
Hourcade wants more success this year and will be targeting three wins from three when they face Italy (one Test) and France (two Tests) over the June international window. Victories will be even more important this year for the Pumas, to ensure that they secure a top place on the World Rankings and get an easier draw for the 2019 World Cup in Japan.
"Every game the Pumas play is important in terms of the rankings and the group draw for the World Cup," Hourcade told uar.com.ar
"We have to at least finish in the top eight."
Italy and France have not been in the greatest form in the last 12 months, however, Argentina will not be taking them lightly.
"Italy is a team that has always been a tough team to beat and they have one of the best scrums in the world.
"It will be a matchup of different styles and as with the game against France, the team that imposes their style of play and prevails, will get the result."
With the Jaguares competing in their inaugural season of Super Rugby, Hourcade believes their style of play has changed a bit.
"There is a clear difference between the teams that play in the Southern Hemisphere and in the north.
"We are already embedded with the south's style of play where we try to become more dynamic – incorporate a few more people in the contact points and allow the ball to leave the ruck faster," he added.
Source: uar.com.ar
