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PARIS - South Africa can expect no surprises from Argentina in their rugby World Cup semifinal clash here on Monday, something that will not come as welcome news for the Springboks.
Argentina have developed a reputation as a gruelling, rugged, battling team that turns matches into a war of attrition, draining their opponents with bustling forward play and bombarding them with high kicks before hitting them with rapier-like breaks in the backs.
And if the Boks thought they would be in for anything other than that, they will be sadly disappointed at the Stade de France.
"If we have to we'll kick 140 up and unders and push the lines up. Maybe people don't like the way we play but this is the way we have to play," said lock Ignacio Fernandez Lobbe.
"We are very strong mentally, we have a good defence and we are crazy for playing rugby."
And in a country that lives and breathes football, suddenly Argentines are standing up and taking notice of the Pumas.
People are expected to be glued to their television sets on Sunday as, luckily, there will be no football matches played in the country that day.
"From all the messages we've had over the internet (email), telephone, from our families, we know there is Puma Mania back home," added Lobbe.
"Even taxi drivers who know nothing about rugby were saying: 'we got a bonus point'!
"It's doing a good thing for our country this World Cup. It's good for the development of rugby in Argentina. We are realistic and know we will never reach the level of popularity of football but in Argentina matches are now played in front of a full house."
Argentina may not have the rich rugby tradition of some of the usual powerhouses - such as Australia, New Zealand, Wales and Ireland, who unlike Argentina have all already headed home - but they hope to more than make up for that with their spirit and desire.
"We play every game like it's the last game of our lives," said London Irish back row forward Juan Manuel Leguizamon.
"That's the best point for us in this World Cup: we play with our hearts, with our lives."
Everyone is well aware that the match is largely going to be played out in the forwards, with two big, strong packs battling for supremacy and control of the ball.
And when asked what the strengths of the South Arficans were, Leguizamon preferred to concentrate on his own team's strengths.
"Our pack is going to be a big challenge for them. They have to be prepared to play against us. We will try to be a wall in defence."
Lobbe believes there may be one small surprise for the South Africans: they'll be tackled around the legs.
"South Africa usually play rugby like in the Tri-Nations, open games with high tackles. Our kind of tackles are lower, around the knees and they're not expecting that. Maybe we can take them by surprise."
Whether there is an element of surprise or not, Lobbe is convinced that this is a game that is there for the taking.
"They are strong but no-one can take our team - only us."
- AFP
