Rugby World Cup Hooker Ledesma is one tough gaucho

Brad Thorn continues to astound with his endurance and ability in international rugby.

The 36-year-old lock is the second oldest All Black in history but a youngster compared to one of his Argentine rivals in Sunday's quarter-final at Eden Park.

Mario Ledesma will run out in the light blue and white hoops in his 84th test for the Pumas, after pulling on the jersey in the first year of professional rugby in 1996.

The 38-year-old hooker is not the most capped player for his country (the record is 86 held by Lisandro Arbizu and Rolando Martin) nor does he nudge the longevity mark which is held by the legendary Hugo Porta at a shade over 19 years.

But to last so long in such an attritional role is a remarkable achievement. When the World Cup is over Ledesma is heading to work for the Stade Francais club as their forwards coach.

It's been some journey for the one-time flanker who switched to the front row and is ending his career at his fourth World Cup.

For some time he had to wait his chance as Federico Mendez wound down his illustrious career. Then he bounced into his work.

Had Argentina been a more favoured opposition, Ledesma would have strolled on to the list of those who have played 100 tests for their country.

"He has been a hell of a player for us and has never taken anything for granted in his career," a spokesman said.

"Mario never leaves anything in the tank. He deserves a standing ovation."

This tournament, Ledesma has been his usual hard-charging self, delivering his set piece work and busying himself around the field with more venom than many men half his age.

He survived a thunderous knee to the head from England lock Courtney Lawes, picked himself up from the Dunedin Stadium touchline and resumed his combat. He is one tough gaucho.

So are his mates but without injured No 8 Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe, few give the Pumas much chance of an upset against the All Blacks on Sunday.

The quarter-final would be a battle of styles. Argentina would try to slow the game down as much as possible, walking to lineouts and working the pick'n'go plays for as long as possible.

They would search for territory and penalty concessions to give captain Felipe Contepomi opportunities to keep his side in the test.

It would not be exciting but it would be customary rugby.

The Pumas and All Blacks will announce their sides today for the test which will be refereed by Nigel Owens.