Argentina outside centre Hernan Senillosa expects tomorrow's clash with Ireland to be another tight contest after the hosts' spirited performance in their 22-20 win over Ireland in Santa Fe last weekend.
Senillosa, who scored Argentina's only try in that game, was initially dropped from the 22-man squad but recalled after Biarritz trio Marcelo Bosch, Manuel Carizza and Martin Gaitan returned to France to honour club commitments in the Top 14 semi-finals.
"It will be a very physical, tough game like last Saturday's was I think," he said. "Perhaps it will be a bit tougher than the first Test, as we've been talking about this and will try to play better."
Argentina coach Marcelo Loffreda believes the sides are very similar and have always played "very interesting" Tests as a result.
"Despite coming from two very different places, with two very different backgrounds, we are quite similar to each other," he said today.
The victory in Santa Fe was satisfying for the coach but he is looking for a better performance this time round in Buenos Aires, and highlighted the need for his side to improve in contact and "settle our strategy well from the first minute."
The World Cup is edging ever closer for both sides, who have been drawn together in Group D alongside France, Namibia and Georgia.
Leinster's Felipe Contepomi, who scored the winning injury-time drop-goal against Eddie O'Sullivan's side last Saturday, returned to Ireland for his graduate in medicine, so Martin Durand will captain the team for the first time.
The 31-year-old is delighted to have been given the armband. "I really did not expect it," said Durand, who will win his 48th cap. "It's an honour to have the chance to fill the role of captain in the squad."
Glasgow Warriors winger Francisco Leonelli agrees with Loffreda's decision to make Durand captain.
"Martin has done his job very well and is a natural leader," he said. "Martin is one of the most experienced and most respected players in the squad, so we must do our best to profit from having him on the pitch."
Leonelli believes the Pumas showed some weaknesses despite last weekend's victory over Ireland.
"We've identified some areas where we are weak and we have to improve on those," he added. "However, we know that we can find ways to hurt Ireland too."
Wing Robert Kearney and backrow Shane Jennings will make their debuts against Argentina as O'Sullivan attempts fill the seats left on the bus to the World Cup in France in September.
