Rowntree expecting formidable Argentina front-row challenge

ENGLAND scrum coach Graham Rowntree has steeled his men for the ultimate challenge of facing Argentina’s set piece in Saturday’s Rugby World Cup opener.

Rowntree faced the Pumas twice in his own 53-Test career and he knows from tough personal experience that England could not have asked for a sterner opening challenge.

The Pumas named their team yesterday and veteran hooker Mario Ledesma is set to join England’s Jonny Wilkinson in playing in his fourth World Cup.