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PARIS - Argentina are hoping that seven is their lucky number when they take on Scotland in the World Cup quarter-finals at the Stade de France here on Sunday.
The Pumas opened the six-weeks long tournament on September 7 with a stunning 17-12 win over France and the clash with the underdog Scots is on October 7.
"This is the most important match in the history of Argentine rugby. We have made it here on the basis of work and sacrifice," said Argentina flanker Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe.
"The seventh is a very special day, because exactly one month ago we made our debut in this World Cup on this pitch, and we beat France.
"But we have to separate ourselves from the euphoria that's going on in Argentina. From here it's easier because of the distance, but then again it's also a motivation for us."
Lobbe was referring to coverage of the rugby World Cup back home where for once the minority sport has all but supplanted king soccer in the headlines of the sports pages.
The feeling is growing that the world's fourth-ranking team are finally on the cusp of joining the rugby elite with a first ever appearance in the World Cup semi-finals beckoning to be followed by a crack at reaching the final.
But Lobbe said that first Scotland had to be vanquished and that would not be an easy task.
"Scotland has a great team, with a good third row, a fly half (Dan Parks) who kicks very hard and puts the ball in the opposition's territory, and a kicker (Chris Paterson) who has not missed once so far. There's also (Rory) Lamont, who is a horse," he said.
But having won five straight times since Scotland triumphed at Murrayfield in 1990, Lobbe and his Puma team-mates know that they have the chance of a lifetime.
- AFP
