Thursday, November 21, 2024

Ireland v Argentina: Pumas boss Felipe Contepomi ‘grateful’ for 10 years spent in Ireland

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Rather than reflect upon history, the World Rugby Hall of Fame inductee is keen to see his side make it on Friday night.

Ireland have won 13 of the 19 Tests played between the two sides, including all 10 in Dublin.

“It’s not about me bringing the national team here. We have the chance, as Argentina, to play against one of the best teams in the last few years,” he added.

“Ireland has been consistently in the top three for the last six, seven years, so it is a great opportunity for us. We are always very proud to come here and try to beat Ireland, which, by the way, we have never done here in Ireland.

“I think it’s a big challenge, a great challenge, but we always want to play against the best and that’s what we are preparing for.”

With so many of the Ireland side drawn from Leinster, Contepomi has coached five of Ireland’s seven starting backs.

Noting that means Andy Farrell’s players are equally familiar with his thought processes, the former fly-half does not believe his insight will play a major role on Friday.

“Maybe it could have been an advantage if I could have played,” he said.

“You can know the players, and I’ve coached them, but it’s our players who need to go and do their homework and know who they are playing against.

“So I don’t know if it’s an advantage. It’s the same way as those players know how I think as well, so it works both ways.”

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