Wallabies to follow AB blueprint
After their great escape on the Gold Coast, Wallaby forwards coach Andrew Blades says Australia will earn the right to go wide against the Pumas on Saturday.
An inspired comeback saved the Wallabies blushes in their previous encounter, in which the host attempted to run the Argentine off their feet from the kick-off and conceded several turnovers.
Blades said they won’t make the same mistake in Rosario and would look to emulate the All Blacks, whose forwards provided the platform that allowed the team to run in seven tries in their 54-15 win.
The Wallabies were outmuscled up front and outclassed at the breakdown in their 31-8 defeat to the Springboks and Blades is well aware that his pack will need to produce a much-improved performance to avoid defeat this weekend.
"To play against the Pumas well you first do the hard work and that's where we suffered on the weekend – around the tackle," said Blades.
"We need to improve well there to get momentum to play good rugby.
"We had a good look at the All Blacks and saw how the Pumas were able to frustrate them early in the game with their strong defence.
"The All Blacks adjusted well. They made sure they weren't caught short going wide before going forward and that was a lesson for us."
All Black coach Steve Hansen and Wales forward coach Robin McBryde believe the injury-ravaged Wallabies are ripe for the picking.
Centre Pat McCabe, who scored a crucial try against the Pumas on the Gold Coast, rated the South Americans the most physical team he's played against and called them "deserved favourites."
McCabe is likely to be partnered in midfield by Anthony Faingaa, who has been cleared of a head knock and is expected to replace the injured Adam Ashley-Cooper.
Mike Harris is poised to become Australia’s fourth fullback in five Tests in place of the injured Berrick Barnes, while Tatafu Polota-Nau and Radike Samo are expected to recover from shoulder problems and feature in the matchday 22.
Digby Ioane (knee) and Scott Higginbotham (back) missed training on Tuesday but are also expected to be available for selection.
