Pumas ready for the AB challenge
Aramburu fit to face All Blacks
Argentina are gearing themselves for a massive defensive effort when they face the world's top-ranked team, New Zealand, at the Vélez Sársfield stadium in Buenos Aires on Saturday.
The Pumas know their defence will have to be a lot sharper that it was in the 2-0 series whitewash of Wales – in which the Pumas shared the try-count with the Welsh at 6-all. The All Blacks will certainly not waste as many chances as the Welsh did and the home side is well aware of that.
Puma No.8 Juan Manuel Leguizamon, who plays his rugby for London Irish in England, said they have been working very hard on what they regard as the most important aspects of their game.
"We have been working very hard on our defence in training this week," Leguizamon said.
"That is a vital aspect of the game if you play against the All Blacks. We will have to be very focussed as a defensive unit, because they are the team that punish you most if you make errors."
The Puma No.8 said they have eased off the intensity at training this week, with most players still feeling the effects of two tough encounters against Wales.
"We have watched a lot of videos and worked on the tactical aspects of our game," he said.
Veteran fly-half Felipe Contepomi, who played in the midfield against Wales last week, said he is looking forward to the challenge of facing the visitors.
The Leinster No.10, who had a starring performance in the 45-27 win over Wales last week, is likely to be at centre again this week.
"It is a great opportunity to face the best team in the world," Contepomi said.
"They [New Zealand] have shown they are a cut above the rest in the world and it is an important game for us, an opportunity to measure ourselves against the best."
He also said the New Zealanders showed just how much depth they have in their rugby by naming two teams of equal strength – one which beat Ireland 2-0 in the just completed series and another which travelled to Argentina.
"I always say that if New Zealand were to enter two teams in the World Cup, they will play against each other in the Final.
"The Kiwis also showed a lot of respect for the Pumas, by ensuring that a number of their key players [like Daniel Carter] were named in the team to travel to Buenos Aires. It shows how much importance they attach to this game."
The Pumas have not yet named their match-day 22, but Federico Martin Aramburu was passed fit for Saturday's showdown at Vélez Sársfield.
The Biarritz wing missed both Test victories over Wales after returning from France with an injury to his right shoulder.
But, after being given the all-clear to face the All Blacks, he said: "I'm much better and I rested last week and worked very hard with Mario Larrain [team doctor] and I want to play and I hope to do it at the weekend.
"The guys played a very well against Wales last Saturday. They had attitude and played well in several aspects. There are always things to improve on but we'll correct them."
