Rugby World Cup 2011: Argentina hail returning Contepomi
WELLINGTON: Argentina fans can breathe a sigh of relief with the return from injury of inspirational captain Felipe Contepomi for Sunday’s crucial Pool B match with Scotland.
Felipe Contepomi. Courtesy: Getty Images
The Pumas’ goal kicker has not played since hurting a rib in his team’s opening Rugby World Cup 2011 match, a 13-9 defeat by England.
“Our captain is our leader, our soul”, said number 8 Juan Martín Fernández Lobbe. “He has that kind of magic it’s not easy to find in a rugby player and we’re very, very happy he’ll be out there with us.”
Contepomi’s return at inside centre was one of two changes made by head coach Santiago Phelan. Julio Farías Cabello returns to the Pumas’ back row at the expense of his late replacement in the 43-8 defeat of Romania, Alejandro Campos, who drops out of the 22.
Lucas González Amorosino, who played at full back last week, goes to the bench to make way for Martín Rodríguez, who moves from centre to make way for Contepomi
Phelan said it was a boost to have Contepomi back. “He’s the captain, he’s very important, not only as a player or the leader of the team (but) he’s in good condition and he’s very important for the Argentina team.”
Contepomi said he had come through a contact session at training and while he expected to feel some pain on Sunday at Wellington Regional Stadium, he was desperate to play.
“We don’t have many chances to play for the national team and every chance you have, you want to play,” he said.
“Obviously, this even more. It’s a World Cup. I’m lucky enough that this is my fourth World Cup, but for all we know, definitely my last one. So if I can play as many games as I can, I’ll do it.
“I feel pain, but normal, but nothing that will damage my participation.”
Argentina’s starting XV has a settled look, showing only one change from the team which lost to England, because of a tournament-ending injury to centre Gonzalo Tiesi.
Phelan was satisfied Argentina were ready to take on familiar rivals Scotland in what he expected to be a very tough match, saying they were better equipped than when they lost twice to Scotland in Argentina last year.
“I think that Argentina is well prepared because we’ve had two and a half months working together,” he said.
“That’s the main difference. We think in this moment we are very well prepared and we are in very good condition.”
Argentina are third in Pool B with six points, three behind England and Scotland, who play each other in the final round of pool matches.
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