Corletto: arrogance Boks’ weakness

ARGENTINA winger Ignacio Corleto has lit the fuse ahead of Sunday’s World Cup semi-final by labelling South Africa arrogant — and he is determined to put the Springboks in their place.

South African centre Jaque Fourie last week insisted quarter-final opponents Fiji deserved no respect because they had never beaten the Springboks.

They were ill-advised comments which only served to fire up the Fijians — and nearly came back to bite Fourie as the Pacific islanders drew level at 20-20 midway through the second half.

Eventually, the Springboks’ superior forward power carried them to victory and they are now favourites for the tournament.

But Corleto is convinced Argentina can overturn the odds and create their own slice of history by reaching a first ever World Cup final.

“Their weakness could be their arrogance. They are always saying they are the best,” said Corleto, the Stade Francais winger.

“We have never beaten them. That’s what the stats books say but in this World Cup all the stats have changed.

“There’s always a first time and hopefully Sunday will be ours.

“We are going into it to win. We’re going for the final. This team are not going to let anyone step over them.

“I don’t feel the same as Scotland when they said they were satisfied with reaching the quarter-finals and anything that came afterwards was a bonus. Our goal is not complete.”

Corleto continued: “Defence is going to be the key.

“The most important thing is organisation. We’ve been working on it for many years.

“In South Africa the backs are as massive as the forwards. That’s the basis of their game and that’s how they beat you mentally.”

South Africa flanker Juan Smith did not train yesterday after taking a knock to his quad but is expected to be back in action on Friday.