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Michael Cheika expects fervent Argentina fanbase at World Cup
By PA
Michael Cheika insists Argentina will be able to tap into intense national support when they clash with England in their Rugby World Cup opener.
The rivals meet in Marseille on Saturday with the winners placing one foot in the knockout stage and for the first time in the history of the fixture, the Pumas are favourites.
“From my experience with Argentina, we expect a fervent public,” head coach Cheika said.
“My family will be there, the family of many players also, and we know that there will be many Argentinian fans.
“It is a nice experience because the Rugby World Cup happens every four years.
“For many it is an important experience – they spend their savings to be here and we want them to enjoy the experience.”
Argentina have beaten Australia and Spain in their five outings this year, also losing narrowly twice to South Africa and once heavily to New Zealand.
“We prepared as we always do. We are happy because preparation is more important than the game because it is what we can control,” Cheika said.
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Latest Comments
No he's just limited in what he can do. Like Scott Robertson. And Eddie Jones.
Sometimes it doesn't work out so you have to go looking for another national coach who supports his country and believes in what he is doing. Like NZ replacing Ian Foster. And South Africa bringing Erasmus back in to over see Neinbar.
This is the real world. Not the fantasy oh you don't need passion for your country for international rugby. Ask a kiwi, or a south african or a frenchman.
Go to commentsDont complain too much or start jumping to conclusions.
Here in NZ commentators have been blabbing that our bottom pathway competition the NPC (provincial teams only like Taranaki, Wellington etc)is not fit for purpose ie supplying players to Super rugby level then they started blabbing that our Super Rugby comp (combined provincial unions making up, Crusaders, Hurricanes, etc) wasn't good enough without the South African teams and for the style SA and the northern powers play at test level.
Here is what I reckon, Our comps are good enough for how WE want to play rugby not how Ireland, SA, England etc play. Our comps are high tempo, more rucks, mauls, running plays, kicks in play, returns, in a game than most YES alot of repetition but that builds attacking skillsets and mindsets. I don't want to see world teams all play the same they all have their own identity and style as do England (we were scared with all this kind of talk when they came here) World powerhouse for a reason, losses this year have been by the tiniest of margins and could have gone either way in alot of games. Built around forward power and blitz defence they have got a great attack Wingers are chosen for their Xfactor now not can they chase up and unders all day. Stick to your guns its not far off
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