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PARIS - Argentina believe they have spotted weaknesses in the formidable Springboks which they intend to exploit fully in Monday's (NZ time) rugby World Cup semifinal clash.
The Pumas, who have reached the last four of a World Cup for the first time, have never defeated South Africa, but their English technical director Les Cusworth believes they have seen enough of their opponents to give them a chance of an upset win.
"We do see some weaknesses in the team," said former England international Cusworth.
"We played against them in 2004, and with a team that wasn't our best we were able to score three tries against them."
South Africa, the 1995 champions, are now favourites for the title after the shock elimination of the All Blacks at the hands of France who face England in the other semi-final.
They have an unbeaten record in the tournament but came close to an embarrassing defeat at the hands of Tonga in the pool stages and allowed Fiji to claw back to 20-20 in their quarter-final before they triumphed 37-20.
"It's going to be very physical," said Cusworth.
"They have a lot of experience, are very good set-pieces, a competition like the Tri-Nations, good backs like the pair of centres or Bryan Habana, and a fullback like Percy Montgomery, who is one of the best in the world."
But Cusworth knows that in centre Felipe Contepomi and first five-eighths Juan Martin Hernandez, who have both been nominated for the IRB player of the year award, the Pumas have their own potential match-winners.
"I have known Felipe for a long time and his progress in the past few years has been incredible," said Cusworth who has been part of Argentina's coaching set-up for five years.
"With Hernandez, what stands out is his abilities and his manner. He is turning into a great player and he's going to get even better.
"He's like a mixture of several good players. He's one of the best in the world."
- AFP
