(l-r) Agustín Creevy, forwards coach Ricardo Le Fort and captain Francisco Albarracín at their hotel

(L-R) Agustín Creevy, forwards coach Ricardo Le Fort and captain Francisco Albarracín at their hotel
Photo: DK/IRB

Finding form and belief

The team that were the centre of attention at last year's IRB under 21 World Championship have quietly put themselves into contention in this year's competition ahead of the crucial last pool games on Saturday.

Argentina, who hosted the tournament in Mendoza in 2005, lost their opening match 20-16 to defending champions South Africa, but recovered from a half time deficit against Ireland to keep alive their hopes of a top four place at the end of the pool stage.

"Last year it was a very special tournament for all of us," explained Argentina flanker Agustín Creevy, "since it was in our own country and we got some fantastic support.

"In comparison this year, we still have the support of lots of people for sure, but we don't have the same level of interest off the pitch.

"The pressure is the same though. We still have to be well-prepared whether we're in Argentina or anywhere else in the world. The pressure is created by ourselves on ourselves."

We'll sit down with the coaches in due course, but we know what to expect

Argentina captain Francisco Albarracín on the match against Wales on Saturday

Previous experience

13 of the squad who lost only one match - against eventual runners up Australia - in Mendoza, have made the trip to France for this tournament. For forwards coach Ricardo Le Fort, the experience his players have learnt both in this tournament and in other top level competitions, will stand them in good stead in the challenges ahead in France.

"Agustin (Creevy) has played for the senior Argentina side. A lot of the players from Buenos Aires are in their provincial team as well as representing, Cordoba, Tucuman and Mendoza. That sort of experience counts and it counts for a lot in competitions such as this World Championship."

Next up for Argentina is Wales, who lie one place behind the Pumitas in seventh in the U21 standings. For the winner, there is the hope of reaching the top four and a shot at the IRB Under 21 World Championship crown.

Rematch

The two teams met at the same stage of the tournament last year, at Chacras Stadium in Mendoza, where Argentina ran out 36-31  victors. Current captain Francisco Albarracín, who also lead the side on that day, expects an equally tough match on Saturday.

"We haven't yet studied the video of their games in detail. We'll sit down with the coaches in due course, but we know what to expect.

"They're very physical and they also like to throw the ball around and use the full width of the pitch. They like attacking from broken play situations so we'll need to make sure our defence snuffs out those chances."

If the Pumitas win on Saturday, and other results go their way, they could end up finishing higher than the fifth place they earned at home in Mendoza last year. Find out what happens with irbu21.com on Saturday afternoon.


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