One of the hard lessons learned last year was knowing when to rest players. In 2012, 25 players were used; to date, 29 have already taken the field. This season, 25 have started compared with 19 last year. Unlike 2012, when injuries were kind to Los Pumas, six players have been ineligible for games. But only Gonzalo Camacho, injured in Hamilton, is not eligible for the last third of the competition.
It is universally accepted that the one test Argentina has the most chance of winning is that against a still rusty Wallabies side; yet this Pumas team operates on a match-to-match basis. Forget about rotating or resting players for Saturday's game. Which test player would want to miss playing against the best team in the world? At home? You can forget about rotation for this one.
A mild September night should promise open rugby and even though it is not the natural Pumas style, they have proven themselves with ball in hand. The way the Argentinian psyche works, the scrum will have given them sufficient confidence for the two remaining internationals.
They haven't yet managed a win in 10 Championship games and have only themselves to blame for not securing the Wallaby test last Saturday.
They still need to develop the killer instinct at this level.
If everyone is complaining about a Frenchman with a whistle at Eden Park, then Pumas fans could well mention a certain Welshman who should have at least given the Pumas a penalty try from a scrum in Perth. And in deep attack, a turnover from a clear offside position gave the Wallabies sufficient air to survive by a solitary point in a game that was up for grabs. The Argentine Rugby Union have since written to both Sanzar and the IRB to point out the lack of consistency.
Lineouts continue to be the team's Achilles heel. Even when the Pumas changed hooker against New Zealand in Hamilton, it was still an issue.
Five of their throws were lost to the All Blacks and the Pumas can't give them such an advantage again.
As much as the scrum has become stronger, it seems the lineout is getting worse.
A year ago, Argentina were on the verge of winning their first test in the Rugby Championship and failed in their quest. This year, they've been close, but not close enough.
It is improbable that it will be anything different in La Plata, although the small steps given are pointing in the right direction. The team has worked hard to iron out internal differences that had led to a false start.
Things are better now,more so when the biggest test of the season looms.
