Back in Dublin with his national team for Friday’s Test, Contepomi is not assuming Ireland will be vulnerable after defeat to All Blacks
Argentina head coach Felipe Contepomi at the Argentina Rugby press conference in the Radisson Blu St Helen's Hotel, Dublin on Wednesday. Photograph: Andrew Conan/Inpho’s head coach answered questions on a variety of topics related directly to Friday night’s Test match against Ireland and others that included a whistle-stop tour of people and places near and dear to his heart.
The Argentinian smiled when asked whether having that level of insight into his opponents’ strengths and weaknesses as individuals was an advantage. “I wouldn’t put it as an advantage, it’s just something that I try to transmit what I know from Irish culture and Irish rugby and from some of the players. But at the end of the day it’s the individual and collective preparation that can make the difference.”
He referred to Jack Crowley, who starts for Ireland on Friday night, Ross Byrne and Ciarán Frawley, and said, “ Prendergast also has it, a young man that I know from Leinster”, a few hours before Ireland head coach Andy Farrell confirmed that the young outhalf could make his debut off the bench against Argentina.
Contepomi has made three changes to the Argentina side that beat Italy 50-18. Matías Moroni, who started on the bench in Rome, is promoted to the run-on team at centre, alongside Lucio Cinti. The experienced Guido Petti is recalled to the secondrow in place of Franco Molina, while another familiar face, Pablo Matera, has served a suspension incurred in the Rugby Championship and returns to the backrow.
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