Michael Cheika is adamant
Argentina are underdogs against Wales on
Saturday despite their win over England last weekend.
اضافة اعلان
The Pumas triumphed 30-29 to record just their second win over England at Twickenham
as Wales opened their Autumn Nations Series campaign with a 55-23 loss to New
Zealand in Cardiff.
Wales, who conceded eight tries against the All Blacks, now welcome
Argentina to the Principality Stadium, with Cheika insisting the odds are always
stacked against the visiting team in rugby union, especially in Cardiff.
"When you come away from home in rugby, you are always the
underdog," said Argentina coach Cheika after naming an unchanged matchday
23 on Thursday.
"When you walk out on to the Principality Stadium and there are however
many thousands of Welsh people there, supporting their team, you are the
underdog.
"Honestly, I don't see anyone coming to Cardiff as favourites. It's
such a difficult place to come to in that atmosphere.
"You've got to be so good on game day to be in the contest. We know we
will be in the minority, but that challenge of playing in the big theatres when
you are the opposition is a really enjoyable one.
"You have got to get the thrill of being the enemy on the day and
embrace it."
Argentina have made encouraging progress ahead of next year's World Cup in
France, enjoying wins against Scotland, Australia, New Zealand and England
since Cheika took charge in March.
But Cheika, who coached his native Australia from 2014-19, remained wary of
Wales.
"I know another team that shipped eight tries against the All Blacks
not too long ago -- us.
"I know how powerful Wales can be. It can happen in games, sometimes it
just gets away from you."
He added: "I have been here too many times to know what this Welsh team
brings and how they are at the stadium.
"They have a very good counter-attacking game and good ball runners in
the wide channels, both backs and back row, so we are going to have our hands
full defending.
"We need to be really good on the details of our game and mentally to
be in the contest."
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