BUENOS AIRES, 20 June 2003 — France, who could play Argentina in the World Cup quarter-finals in October, are determined to avoid a whitewash when they face the Pumas here today.
Argentina won the first Test last week 10-6 and both sides have rung the changes as they test players in the buildup to the World Cup.
France coach Bernard Laporte, who kept the players behind for extra training that went on late into the night the day after the match, has made seven changes, four in the pack. But Toulouse fly-half Yann Delaigue keeps his place despite missing two easy penalties.
Argentina rugby coach Marcelo Loffreda has made eight changes.
Loffreda, whose side are bidding for a third successive Test victory over the French, made four changes apiece in both the pack and the backs. Argentina also beat France last November. “This might be the last chance for some to make the World Cup squad,” Laporte warned.
Laporte names a pre-selection of 30 players for the World Cup on July 2. He does not have to submit his final list to the tournament organisers before Sept. 15.
“Winning is a priority and we have been working hard on the errors we saw in last week’s Test when we failed to make the most of possession,” he said.
“We must improve our defending, get to the breakdown quicker to ensure quick ball and aim for the advantage line in our first two phases,” he said. Laporte left regulars Jean-Jacques Crenca, Raphael Ibanez, Fabien Pelous, Olivier Brouzet, Olivier Magne and Serge Betsen at home to recharge their batteries ahead of the World Cup.
Agence France Presse
BUENOS AIRES — France, who could play Argentina in the World Cup quarter-finals in October, are determined to avoid a whitewash when they face the Pumas here today.
Argentina won the first Test last week 10-6 and both sides have rung the changes as they test players in the buildup to the World Cup.
France coach Bernard Laporte, who kept the players behind for extra training that went on late into the night the day after the match, has made seven changes, four in the pack. But Toulouse fly-half Yann Delaigue keeps his place despite missing two easy penalties.
Argentina rugby coach Marcelo Loffreda has made eight changes.
Loffreda, whose side are bidding for a third successive Test victory over the French, made four changes apiece in both the pack and the backs. Argentina also beat France last November. “This might be the last chance for some to make the World Cup squad,” Laporte warned.
Laporte names a pre-selection of 30 players for the World Cup on July 2. He does not have to submit his final list to the tournament organisers before Sept. 15.
“Winning is a priority and we have been working hard on the errors we saw in last week’s Test when we failed to make the most of possession,” he said.
“We must improve our defending, get to the breakdown quicker to ensure quick ball and aim for the advantage line in our first two phases,” he said. Laporte left regulars Jean-Jacques Crenca, Raphael Ibanez, Fabien Pelous, Olivier Brouzet, Olivier Magne and Serge Betsen at home to recharge their batteries ahead of the World Cup.
