Pumas aim to maul ‘wounded’ Wales, says coach Loffreda

WALES have been warned they face trial by renowned Puma forward power at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium today.

Argentina’s Leicester-bound coach Marcelo Loffreda reports his side’s reliance on a pack rated among the world’s most formidable will not be ditched in any form of pre-World Cup experiment as they seek to add to Welsh worries and woes.

Gareth Jenkins’ forwards were pounded into submission in their last outing — the 62-5 humiliation by England at Twickenham — and the Pumas are in no mood to ease the pressure on the Wales coach, even though Loffreda expects the hosts’ wounded pride to prompt a ferocious response.

“Wales are coming off the back of a bad result against England that will have really hurt them,” Loffreda reasons.

“Now they are like wounded lions, and that makes them very dangerous.

“They are desperate to give something back to their fans who love the game, and we will see all that Welsh pride come out on Saturday. We will have to match that heart and pride on the day, but it’s going to be a very tough game.”

Argentina, fifth in the International Rugby Board world rankings, have beaten Wales in four of their last five meetings — but the ex-Pumas hooker says that record is irrelevant.

Loffreda added: “Perhaps that record has partly been good luck, partly good strategy and perhaps better heart or pride than Wales. But this is another story — another version of both teams playing against each other.

“I know it will be a very different story because Wales are coming off the back of that bad game against England.”

As for Argentina, they will simply be sticking to what they do best.

“We have a style and we are not going to renounce it,” the coach vowed.

“It’s not a secret. But you must win the battle up front in any game of rugby. Every scrum is a contest, and we will be combative in that area.”

The Pumas have learned few new tricks too, though.

“We have developed our game, and it is not all about the pack,” he said.

“The second battle is in the middle of the field, and we also have plenty of talented backs as well. Wales are as tough an opponent as the ones we’ll face in the World Cup.”