ARGENTINA shocked the rugby world with their breakthrough 25-15 triumph over the All Blacks.
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And former Wallaby player and defensive coach Nathan Grey has warned the Pumas are capable of repeating the dose against Australia at a sold out McDonald Jones Stadium on Saturday night.
"There were a lot of people who thought they didn't have that game in them,"said Grey who was in Newcastle on Friday for a Classic Wallabies coaching clinic. "Those in and around rugby know that Argentina are a strong side. They play a lot together in Super Rugby. They had a bit of disappointing World Cup but they have some consistency with their coaching staff and Mario Ledesma leading them really well.
"They are a class outfit and if you are not on your game, you will get beat. That was well exampled with the game against New Zealand."
Led by inspirational flanker Pablo Matera and the boot of fly-half Nicolas Sanchez, Argentina out-hustled and out-bustled the All Blacks.
"Argentina will be looking to defend with a similar intensity," said Grey, who was the Wallabies defensive for four years from 2015.
"Against New Zealand, you need to be able to hang on to the ball and put New Zealand under pressure, which they did very well. New Zealand gave away penalties and Sanchez kicked a lot of points.
"When the Wallabies have the ball they will look to get up off the line and force turnovers that way."
The Wallabies are coming off a breakthrough win of their own.Thumped 43-5 by New Zealand in the opening Tri-Nations Test, the underwent a stunning form reversal to beat the All Blacks 24-22 a fortnight ago.
"I am super happy for the team," Grey said. "You can that they are getting more comfortable playing together, they are working hard for each other and enjoying being together. That's a good sign.
"Against Argentina, their attacking breakdown and the efficiency at the attacking breakdown will be really important.They have to recycle the ball and disrupt the Argentine defensive line. The breakdown will be where it is run or lost."
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James Gardiner
James Gardiner, chief football and rugby writer at the Newcastle Herald.
James Gardiner, chief football and rugby writer at the Newcastle Herald.
