WRU: PUMAS are Spectacular and Risky

Wales defence coach Shaun Edwards says Argentina have turned themselves into ‘one of the most attacking teams in world rugby’ by virtue of their involvement in the Rugby Championship over the last five years.
Taking on New Zealand, Australia and South Africa on a regular basis has made the Pumas a‘spectacular’ side to watch and one that is not afraid to take risks, according to Edwards.
“They are benefiting from having played in the Rugby Championship over the last few years and they’ve actually changed their style of play really,” he said.
“They are now probably one of the most attacking teams in world rugby, whereas before they were very much vaunted for their set-piece.
“It does make for a very spectacular way of playing the game. It’s a little bit risky, but they don’t mind taking a risk.”
Wales face the Pumas at Principality Stadium in the second match of the Under Armour Series next month and Rob Howley agrees that his side must take the visitors on at their own game in order to finish on top.

“They combine playing the game with great physicality and great skill and they like to play the ball in hand game,” said Wales head coach Howley.
“They have got two experienced half-backs in Sanchez and Landajo who actually pull the strings for them and they’ve got a fantastic back three.
“They love to play the game with high intensity … and the challenge for us is to be able to match that intensity and skill.”

But the men in charge of preparing Wales for a four match campaign which includes clashes with ‘giant killers’ Japan and South Africa, are not making the mistake of looking too far ahead, as the Wales forwards coach Robin McBryde explains, the current focus is very much on first up opponents Australia.

“They are first up as well and historically we haven’t done very well in our first game of an autumn series so, on more than one front, it’s going to be a tough match,” says McBryde –

Wales face the Wallabies at Principality Stadium on Saturday 5th November to kick-off the Under Armour Series.
Howley agrees it’s going to be a tough opener with the Wallabies possessing quality players both up front and across the back line.

“It’s always the same when you play against Australia, their back row composition is something to admire, because they have world class players in the back row,” said Howley.
“But in particular it’s the likes of Genia and Quade Cooper for me, when they are back at the helm really calling the shots they are a very difficult side to play.
“They’ve shown more consistency in selection too, despite a couple of injuries through the Rugby Championship, and another player in particular who I’m a great admirer of is Adam Ashley-Cooper.”

Edwards too is impressed by the Wallabies squad on paper, but he also suggests this first match might be one that Wales will particularly target because of the close-fought recent history between the two sides.

“They’re a team that have given us quite a lot of pain over the years,” he added.
“Last minute losses, one point scores, you name it, it’s happened to us against Australia, so I’d like to think the lads are doubly determined to try and avenge that and get a victory over Australia.
“Obviously up front they have got good ball carriers in the forwards as well, so all around the park Australia can hurt you if you let them and we know we have to really up our intensity in defence and keep our concentration levels.”

Tickets are still available now across all four matches in the series, starting at £20 for adults for the Argentina and Japan (£10 U16s concession for Japan) matches and £60 (with £30 concession) for the Australia and South Africa games, online at wru.wales/tickets or from your local club.
The Wallabies are in Cardiff on the first Saturday in November (KO 2.30pm), the Pumas are up next a week later (KO 5.30pm) and the Springboks bring the series to a climax on Saturday 26th November (KO 5.30pm) after Japan have had their say in the previous Saturday (KO 2.30pm).
For the first time concessionary prices, for U16s, are available to over 40,000 fans for each match across the Series.

Under Armour Series 2016 – (with remaining ticket categories)
Wales vs Australia – Saturday 5th November (Kick off 2.30pm):  £60 (£30)
Wales vs Argentina – Saturday 12th November (Kick off 5.30pm):  £50 / £40 (£20) / £30 / £20
Wales vs Japan – Saturday 19th November (Kick off 2.30pm):  £35 / £20 (£10)
Wales vs South Africa – Saturday 26th November (Kick off 5.30pm): £60 (£30)

Tickets available now at www.wru.wales/tickets