Prop Marcos Ayerza has said that the Pumas will target Melbourne Rebels scrum-half Nick Phipps in their Rugby Championship meeting on Saturday.
Phipps, who has been named as injury victim Will Genia's replacement in the starting XV for this weekend, is expected to be targeted at the base.
The Pumas have already drawn with the Boks and given New Zealand a scare as their confidence continues to grow, even more so with Australia missing Genia, with Ayerza expaining how he feels the player's absence will effect Australia.
"Massively. I think he's been a talisman for them. He's a very important player for them," he said.
"To lose a key player like a number nine or 10 ... and a captain ... is a massive loss for Australia and hopefully we can use that to our advantage."
Comments
PREEST says...
With the massive defensive effort the Pumas put in against the ABs, I think the Wallabies will be in for an even bigger shock. I think the big forwards should be targeting Quade cooper. He's not only weak on defensive, but if you can rush up on him quickly when he's on attack and unsettle him, then you will disrupt the whole Wallaby back line. Will be an interesting contest this weekend. The Pumas are in with a chance!
Posted 07:38 13th September 2012
georgesmith says...
Pumas are eyeing the wrong players. They need to target N.Sharpe and D. Dennis for their defensive frailties. Springboks did it to some effect but they were not 100 per cent.
Maybe it would have been better to introduce R. Roncero in the second half. The guy is great but surely won't last full 80. For maximum effect, i think second half would have been ideal. Also, Pumas should target Wallabies line-out which will surely struggle.
Posted 23:44 11th September 2012