Pumas are last of the romantics, says Rives

FORMER France captain and flanker Jean-Pierre Rives has described Argentina as “the last of the romantics” and is delighted at the Pumas’ success so far at the Rugby World Cup.

Argentina can top Pool D if they beat an under-performing Ireland on Sunday — and then Marcelo Loffreda’s men have every chance of reaching a semi-final.

Rives almost saw his own country’s dreams derailed when Argentina defeated Les Bleus on the opening night of the tournament, but he says he has a special place in his heart for Los Pumas.

“I have a special space (in my heart) for Argentina,” said Rives, who won 59 caps for France between 1975 and 1984.

“They are the last of the romantics, the last with the student spirit. They have only a little bit of professionalism, but play with passion in their hearts.

“Unfortunately they defeated France and made it quite difficult for us to qualify.”

Rives says New Zealand should beat France if both sides meet in their potential quarter-final in Cardiff.

“It is a kind of final, but any game against the All Blacks is a final. What will happen, we don’t know, but New Zealand should win,” he added.

A renowned sculptor, Rives has also been impressed by the less fancied nations who have made life more difficult than expected for their opponents in France.

“We have seen second-class nations play wonderful rugby and they have improved in general,” said the former Stade Toulousain and Racing Club de France player.

Rives, who captained France the first time they defeated the All Blacks in New Zealand, is enjoying RWC 2007 and is looking forward to the knockout stages.

“So far it has been wonderful and a meeting of the people, but the pressure is coming and you will see it increase in games.”

Meanwhile, Argentina’s Felipe Contepomi says he knows exactly what to expect from Ireland at the Parc des Princes on Sunday. The Leinster outhalf and qualified surgeon has played Ireland seven times (three victories, four defeats), including twice at world cups.

“I think they will try to keep the possession of the ball in the centre of the field and when the minutes go by they will look for the four tries they need,” he said.

Ireland need to beat Argentina, score four tries to earn a bonus point — and prevent the Pumas from grabbing a bonus point — to book a place in the quarter-finals.