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Michael Cheika expects fervent Argentina fanbase at World Cup

By PA

08 Sep 2023

Argentina's Juan Martín Gonzalez celebrates his try versus Australia (Photo by Saeed Khan/AFP via Getty Images)

Michael Cheika insists Argentina will be able to tap into intense national support when they clash with England in their Rugby World Cup opener.

The rivals meet in Marseille on Saturday with the winners placing one foot in the knockout stage and for the first time in the history of the fixture, the Pumas are favourites.

“From my experience with Argentina, we expect a fervent public,” head coach Cheika said.

“My family will be there, the family of many players also, and we know that there will be many Argentinian fans.

“It is a nice experience because the Rugby World Cup happens every four years.

“For many it is an important experience – they spend their savings to be here and we want them to enjoy the experience.”

Argentina have beaten Australia and Spain in their five outings this year, also losing narrowly twice to South Africa and once heavily to New Zealand.

“We prepared as we always do. We are happy because preparation is more important than the game because it is what we can control,” Cheika said.

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Comments on RugbyPass

Bull Shark 8 minutes ago

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Nobody learns anything pumping a team by 50.

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Bull Shark 12 minutes ago

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Jeepers. That’s a nuclear response given the context.

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Bull Shark 14 minutes ago

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He played a big role, as director of rugby prior to stepping in as coach, putting systems in place. He’s been involved in many of these players careers since they were teens or debutants at their provincial teams.

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Bull Shark 18 minutes ago

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Bull Shark 19 minutes ago

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Bull Shark 21 minutes ago

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It a hypothesis sure, perhaps Felix has a sweet deal lined up somewhere else. But I also don’t think he’d say something about that environment if it wasn’t true. He doesn’t strike me as a douche.

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Bull Shark 23 minutes ago

Why England's defence of the realm has crumbled without Felix Jones

Just a hypothesis. What on earth else could be the issue with regards to the environment as claimed by Felix?

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JM 28 minutes ago

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Tom 37 minutes ago

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Toaster 40 minutes ago

Let's be real about these All Blacks

As an ABs fan there’s nothing to justify

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And their depth is incredible now

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The rest of us aren’t too far away (some closer than others)

But in reality if we include England Argentina and now Aus rugby looks greatly competitive

Bongis knock on and Lomaxes double bank

These things happen

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But by and large although it has improved overall our second halves are a massive work in progress

So a B- is about right provided there is no loss to Italy

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fl 41 minutes ago

'I don't think Steve Borthwick would pick Jack Willis even if he's playing in England'

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Tom 43 minutes ago

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EV 52 minutes ago

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You miss the point. There is no pipeline of players. A coach cannot change that. That is up to the Welsh RFU, which have failed.

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EV 54 minutes ago

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Tom 55 minutes ago

'I don't think Steve Borthwick would pick Jack Willis even if he's playing in England'

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