Argentina look to get their push for the World Cup quarter-finals back on track on Saturday afternoon as they face a Romania at Rugby Park, with the inhabitants of Invercargill hoping for a more engrossing affair than Scotland and Georgia offered up on Wednesday night.
The South Americans will still be hurting following a cruel defeat to England that saw Santiago Phelan's men put in an encouraging and committed display, but cough up 18 points in a forgettable kicking display which ultimately cost Los Pumas dearly in a 13-9 defeat.
As well as having to deal with the disappointment of such a demoralising defeat, Argentina also have a number of injuries to key players to contend with. Playmaker Felipe Contepomi has withdrawn from the squad for Saturday's match with severely bruised ribs suffered in the loss to England, whilst Stade Francais centre Gonzalo Tiesi has been ruled out for the rest of the tournament with a leg injury.
With group rivals Scotland recording two wins from two and England expected to be likewise after their fixture with Georgia a win is essential for the Pumas to keep their interests in the tournament alive.
Although the pack remains unchanged, the amount of casualties out wide means a big shape up to the back-line.
Lucas Gonzalez comes in at full back, replacing Martin Rodriguez who shifts into the centre partnering Marcelo Bosch, who himself is promoted from the bench and Santiago Fernandez takes over from the injured Contepomi at fly half after running at 12 against England.
With a compact and well-drilled set of forwards and exciting, experienced backs the Pumas must be looking to rack up a big score against the Oaks in a pool where points difference may prove crucial.
Romania find themselves in a similar situation to their opponents after suffering a loss they will feel ill-deserved; however the side will have been enstilled with enormous amounts of belief following a hugely spirited performance against Scotland last week.
After starting so promisingly against Andy Robinson's men the Oaks were unfortunate to lose 34-24 as they simply ran out of gas in the final ten minutes.
A turning point was head coach Romeo Gontineac's decision to replace talisman Marius Tincu immediately after his side had gained a 24-21 lead. It was a curious call and one that contributed to the Oaks' capitulation in the closing moments as they attempted to cling on without the on-field charisma and presence of their inspirational leader.
The team will need to draw upon Tincu's experience once more as they tackle a wiley and physical Argentina side who will look to bully and outmuscle their Eastern European rivals into submission.
The side ranked 17th in the world will have to concentrate on a great forward effort “ with an unimaginative back-line that will struggle to find gaps in the Pumas defence the Oaks are relying on the experience of players such as prop Paulica Ion, back-row Ovidiu Tonita and Tincu to pull them through in what will undoubtedly be a tough encounter. They must hope for a phyiscal presence up front, a good slice of luck and maintain their discipline for the entire game to stand a chance, as they have already proved they will tire as the contest progresses.
HEAD TO HEAD: Mario Ledesma v Marius Tincu “ With over 35 years of playing experience between them these two hookers have seen it all on the rugby pitch and will be integral to how their teams play. With a huge forward effort needed here the veterans of the Top 14 will need to use all of their nouse and know-how to come out on top.
PREDICTION: With Bookmakers giving Romania a 19-point headstart before kick off, TRU won't go too much against the grain as a convincing Pumas victory seems the logical outcome. ARGENTINA BY 20.
.jpg "After an horrendous build up to the World Cup, England will want to end their journey in France with a positive result in the third-place play-off")
