Argentina Rugby
Contepomi targets crucial Wales game
ESPNscrum Staff
July 26, 2011
Felipe Contepomi tries to step out of the tackle, France v Argentina, Mosson Stadium, Montpellier, France, November 20, 2010
Pumas fly-half Felipe Contepomi is eager to return to the Millennium Stadium © Getty Images
Enlarge
Related Links
Players/Officials: Felipe Contepomi
Tournaments/Tours: Rugby World Cup
Teams: Argentina | Wales

Argentina fly-half Felipe Contepomi is targeting the Pumas' match against Wales as the crucial moment in their preparations for the Rugby World Cup.

The Pumas run out at the Millennium Stadium on August 20 to face a Wales that will have already played back-to-back games against England at Twickenham and in Cardiff.

The Pumas will then take on Worcester Warriors, who were promoted back to the Aviva Premiership at the end of last season, before meeting England in their opening game of the Rugby World Cup in Dunedin on September 10.

The Pumas' World Cup pool also features Scotland, Romania and Georgia.

"I'd say it will be our main game before the start of the Rugby World Cup," said the 68-cap fly-half, who moved from Toulon to Stade Francais at club level in the close season.

"It's the key game for us in our preparation for the first game against England and it will be crucial for us, that we have the opportunity to play a great team as well.

"It is always a pleasure to play against Wales. They are one of the proudest rugby nations, I think it will be a party atmosphere and both teams will take a lot out of it in terms of preparation for the World Cup.

"It will be the time we will start to play rugby and to put all of our fitness work and preparation before that game into practice."

The former Leinster and Bristol fly-half is looking forward to returning to the Millennium Stadium where he last played for the Pumas against Wales in a warm-up match prior to the 2007 World Cup with Argentina losing 27-20.

"I've been to a lot of rugby pitches and loads of stadiums, but the Millennium is one of the best, if not the best, rugby stadium I've ever played in," added Contepomi.

"I think it's a stadium made for rugby, it breathes rugby and it is a stadium where you have everything so close. You are at the heart of the City and in Wales, where rugby is a religion, it makes that stadium very special."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

Live Sports

Communication error please reload the page.