On the eve of facing the Pumas at the Stade de France, Blues captain Antoine Dupont warned Thursday that Argentina was “a real threat” not to be taken lightly, after the French victory against New Zealand. A common distrust among the Blues, since Gabin Villière had already warned that Argentina was a “big team”.
“This team will have extra soul”
“Going to win in New Zealand, having beaten South Africa during the Rugby Championship, it’s not trivial”added the Toulouse player. Narrowly defeated in Ireland (22-19), Felipe Contepomi's Argentina is “a team which puts a lot of intensity into its game and which has progressed in its offensive animation”, believes Dupont. “This team has the resources to beat any team in the world at home”added Blues assistant coach William Servat. “We know that this team (Argentina) will have extra soul tomorrow”he added, after emphasizing in training on “the combat phases” where he expects the Pumas to perform well.
The Blues trained on Thursday in the snow at the Stade de France, for training adapted to the conditions. “We did what we could today, trying to be clean and concise”recognized Dupont. “The conditions tomorrow will be good”put Servat into perspective, the snow should stop by the time of the match.
Asked about his teammate in Toulouse, the versatile Argentine full-back Juan Cruz Mallia, Dupont complimented the level of the Pumas number 15, starting Friday in the opposing team. “We know what he is capable of, whatever position he plays”said Dupont about Mallia, who has also already played on the wing, in the center or at fly-half with Toulouse. “Beyond his physical qualities, he has a knowledge of the game which allows him to be good in all situations”.
READ ALSO. VIDEO. France – Argentina: “It’s going to be a party,” assures Joel Sclavi
“Let him keep the energy to return to Toulouse afterwards”joked the Blues scrum half.
France
