ARGENTINA RUGBY CAPTAIN Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe has called on his team-mates to dig deep for their Rugby Championship clash with Australia.
The Pumas will play Australia in Brisbane on Saturday just a week after losing 21-5 to New Zealand and Lobbe has claimed Argentina have not had enough time to recover properly after travelling from Wellington.
But the 30-year-old second-rower is confident his team can struggle through in their maiden Rugby Championship campaign.
“It’s started to get difficult,” Lobbe said.
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“We don’t have enough time to recover as we play every week but it’s important to know mentally that next week will be free.
“So, now is the time to give everything because we know that we can take a rest next week.
“Our mentality is good, and when that happens, the body is fine too.”
Argentina were impressive in defence last week and frustrated the All Blacks for the majority of the match before conceding two tries in the final 15 minutes in Wellington.
But Pumas coach Santiago Phelan has reminded his team they can still improve; particularly in attack.
Argentina have scored an average of just nine points per game so far in the Rugby Championship.
“The challenge is try to play better every time both on and off the ball and the same with possession,” Phelan said.
“They are different phases of the game.
“I think the attack is one of the challenges we have had since we started the tournament, and game by game we want to improve it to get better.”
Argentina lie bottom of the table after three rounds with just two points, while Australia are third with four.
Argentina's Lobbe bemoans Rugby Championship schedule
ARGENTINA RUGBY CAPTAIN Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe has called on his team-mates to dig deep for their Rugby Championship clash with Australia.
The Pumas will play Australia in Brisbane on Saturday just a week after losing 21-5 to New Zealand and Lobbe has claimed Argentina have not had enough time to recover properly after travelling from Wellington.
But the 30-year-old second-rower is confident his team can struggle through in their maiden Rugby Championship campaign.
“It’s started to get difficult,” Lobbe said.
“We don’t have enough time to recover as we play every week but it’s important to know mentally that next week will be free.
“So, now is the time to give everything because we know that we can take a rest next week.
“Our mentality is good, and when that happens, the body is fine too.”
Argentina were impressive in defence last week and frustrated the All Blacks for the majority of the match before conceding two tries in the final 15 minutes in Wellington.
But Pumas coach Santiago Phelan has reminded his team they can still improve; particularly in attack.
Argentina have scored an average of just nine points per game so far in the Rugby Championship.
“The challenge is try to play better every time both on and off the ball and the same with possession,” Phelan said.
“They are different phases of the game.
“I think the attack is one of the challenges we have had since we started the tournament, and game by game we want to improve it to get better.”
Argentina lie bottom of the table after three rounds with just two points, while Australia are third with four.
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Argentina Juan Martin Fernandez the rugby championship