Wallabies’ preparation for the Jujuy cauldron
Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 53, 47 tests, 6 Argentina caps and 2 wins, returns to the starting line-up in the second row after the 39-point victory over Japan in Townsville. The Waratahs player, who has faced the Pumas six times, believes that the wins over Japan and Italy, where the team scored over 50 points in each test, are little representative of the magnitude of the upcoming match.
Estadio 23 de Agosto, with 25,000 seats and 1259 m altitude, is one of the most intimidating rugby venues. The terraced stand allows fans to be close to the field, and in August it was reported that a soccer match there was suspended due to threats from local officials. Salakaia-Loto stresses that Argentine fans are “very passionate” and that “there is nothing that compares” to their intensity.
The physical challenge and hostile atmosphere
The Wallabies have dominated physically against Japan and Italy, but Salakaia-Loto stresses that “it only counts when you do it against the big teams”. Argentina, ranked seventh worldwide, lost its last two tests to England and South Africa. The player is unfazed by the possibility of fans using lasers; “I’m not kicking the ball, so it doesn’t matter”, he said.
The goal is to “go to Argentina, where it is a difficult place to play, and do the same” and “take the hostile environment and use it to our advantage”. The Australian side is preparing during the week, focusing on physical and mental preparation for the Sunday morning (AEST) match.
Coaching changes
Meanwhile, Dan McKellar, former Waratahs coach, has been appointed assistant coach of Black Rams Tokyo in Japan’s Rugby League One competition. McKellar, who led the Waratahs for two seasons and left the club with one year remaining on his contract, will work under New Zealand coach Tabai Matson. The Black Rams finished fifth in the season and lost in the quarter-finals to Tokyo Sungoliath.
