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The Wallabies remained unbeaten in the Rugby Championship, taking a 34-9 win over a hapless Argentina.
>>MATCH REPORT: Wallabies overpower lacklustre Pumas 34-9
The Aussies weren’t necesarilly at their best, and will still need to step up when they face the also undefeated All Blacks, but were in good enough form to account for the Pumas.
Australia 34 def. Argentina 9
Can the Wallabies change the rugby world’s perceptions of their scrum power ahead of the World Cup? This crucial question will be answered as Michael Cheika’s scrum guru Mario Ledesma tests his boys against his old team, in Mendoza. Join The Roar for live commentary and scores from 8:40am AEST.
The Pumas are to scrums as the All Blacks are to hakas. You know what you’re going to get, you have ample time to prepare for it, and it still shocks you with its ferocity.
Mendoza is a pleasant city, 454 years old, in the Andean foothills. Their wine has become world famous, but 40,000 fired-up fans in the provocatively-named stadium of Estadio Malvinas Argentinas will be baying for another Wallaby scalp.
Argentina’s victory over Australia at the same place last year was the most momentous in Latin American rugby history. It was no fluke. Five of the last six tests between these squads have ended within seven points.
Australia will need to tighten up its ball retention. Last week, the Wallabies conceded a staggering 18 turnovers to the Springboks. Oddly enough, Argentina will need to show their scrum is still the best in the business, after the All Blacks shed doubt.
Both sides will crave a win. For Cheika, he is trying to breed a new attitude of swagger, leading into the Rugby World Cup pool of death. He cannot afford to be on the South Africa and New Zealand side of the knockout rounds; he is preparing to beat England and Wales. What better evidence would there be than successive wins against the ultra-physical Boks and Pumas?
Prediction
For Daniel Hourcade, this is an excellent example to prove to his players that his systems are working. The lineouts will be crucial; not just in winning the ball, but both sides will look to maul.
I think Cheika’s boys will suffer a let down after their Brisbane euphoria.
Argentina by two.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.