Wales 28 Argentina 13:WARREN GATLAND believes Wales will travel to the World Cup in a confident frame of mind after completing their warm-up schedule with victory over Argentina.
The 28-13 success followed last weekend’s triumph against England, meaning Wales have won five of their last seven tests.
Tries from number eight Andy Powell, lock Alun-Wyn Jones and wing George North, plus 13 points from the boot of outhalf James Hook, completed a satisfactory month’s World Cup preparation work for Wales.
“We made nine changes for this game, so it was difficult on the guys coming in,” said Gatland.
“And it’s easy for people to underestimate Argentina. We took a bit of time to settle, but we then took our opportunities very well. The second try especially was very clinical, and it is about taking those opportunities when they are there.
“Argentina are quite difficult to pay against at the breakdown, they make it difficult for you get quick ball, but we believe we are in good shape physically, and we have won five of our last seven games. We have that confidence.”
Gatland will name his 30-man World Cup squad today after finalising plans for a campaign that starts against South Africa in Wellington on September 11.
Stephen Jones (calf), Ryan Jones (calf) and Rhys Priestland (thigh) are all expected to be fully fit, with the biggest concern appearing to be prop Gethin Jenkins.
The Cardiff Blues forward is to see a specialist in the next few days regarding a calf muscle injury, although Gatland still retains hope he can play a part in the World Cup.
WALES: Byrne; Halfpenny, J Davies, Roberts, North; Hook, Knoyle; James, Hibbard, A Jones; B Davies, A W Jones; Lydiate, M Williams, Powell. Replacements: B Brew, J Thomas for Lydiate (both 58 mins), Bennett for Hibbard, L Williams for Knoyle (both 62 mins), Bevington for James (63 mins), Scott Williams (67 mins),Tipuric for M Williams (68 mins).
ARGENTINA: Rodriguez; Agulla, Bosch, Fernandez, Camacho; Contepomi, Vergallo; Roncero, Ledesma, Figallo, Carizza, Albacete, Farias Cabello, Leguizamon, Fernandez Lobbe. Replacements: Imhoff for Camacho (40 mins), Creevy for Ledesma (52 mins), Campos for Leguizamon (66 mins), Scelzo for Roncero (69 mins), Galarza for Carizza (70 mins). Sin Bin: Fernandez Lobbe (54 mins).
Referee: R Poite (France).
