Rugby World Cup: Argentina and Chile set for 'historic' Pool D match
Written by I Dig SportsArgentina head coach Michael Cheika says the Pumas are treating every match "like a final" as they prepare for their "historic" encounter with Chile in the Rugby World Cup on Saturday.
Cheika's side will reach the knockouts if they defeat Chile this weekend and beat Japan in their final Pool D match.
Chile are winless after three games at this year's tournament.
Saturday's match will see two South American sides face each other for the first time at a Rugby World Cup.
"As we said after the first game [against England], every week is a final," said Cheika, who makes 11 changes to the side which beat Samoa last time out.
"Now it depends on how they cross the white line on Saturday, the moment when everything we talk about in these press conferences must be demonstrated. I have a lot of confidence."
Argentina winger Rodrigo Isgro and full-back Martin Bogado are set for their World Cup debuts, while fly-half Nicolas Sanchez will win win his 100th cap.
Hooker Agustin Creevy is set to equal Mario Ledesma's record as Argentina's most-capped player at a World Cup - both tied on 18 matches.
'For South America it's important'
Chile make eight changes to the starting XV beaten by England, and assistant coach Emiliano Caffera wants his side use their final World Cup match as a "learning experience".
"For South America it is important," he said. "It is the first match between two teams from the region. I wish we didn't have to face each other.
"But it's going to be good to face Los Pumas and finish the World Cup with them.
"Let it be a learning experience and let us leave with our heads held high."
Forwards coach Andres Bordoy added: "It's going to be a beautiful game to play in. Two South American countries - it's going to be historic."
Chile hope to emulate Uruguay
Caffera believes the current direction of Chilean rugby reminds him "of the path taken by Uruguayan rugby".
Uruguay had won just one of their past eight World Cup matches coming into this tournament, but have since impressed with victory over Namibia and fine performances in defeats to France and Italy.
"We need to maintain this level of preparation over time, as Uruguay did," added Caffera. "We have to [regularly] be in the World Cups. We have to grow as Uruguay grew.
"Today, times are different. It took Uruguay 15 years, playing in Rugby World Cup and with players in good leagues, some of whom are now in great teams.
"Uruguayan rugby is more competitive than Chilean because it has a stronger club root."
Argentina v Chile line-ups
Argentina: Bogado, Isgro, Cinti, De la Fuente, Imhoff, Sanchez, Cubelli; Sclavi, Creevy, Bello, Pagadizabal, Rubiolo, Gonzalez, Kremer, Isa
Replacements: Ruiz, Vivas, Gomez Kodela, Alemanno, Oviedo, Bazan Velez, Carreras, Cruz Mallia
Chile: Ayarza, Videla, Saavedra, Garafulic, Ignacio Larenas, Fernandez, Torrealba; Carrasco, Bohme, Dittus, Pedrero, Eissmann, Sigren, Saavedra, Martinez
Replacements: Dussaillant, Lues, Inostroza, Sarmiento, Escobar, Silva, Herreros, Urroz
Referee: Paul Williams (New Zealand)
Match facts
Argentina v Chile head-to-head
Argentina
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