Thursday 7 November 2019 13:16, UK
Dylan Hartley will be the target of Argentina's unorthodox scrum as they plan to down England's forwards, says Guido Petti.
England are aiming to finish an unbeaten 2016 run under Eddie Jones, and will face the Pumas at Twickenham in the autumn Test series on Saturday, live on Sky Sports 2.
Argentina second-row Petti believes England's forwards are behind their dominant displays in recent fixtures, including their 58-15 win over Fiji last weekend, but the lock is hoping his side's 'Bajada' scrum technique - which directs the force onto the opposing hooker - can bring down Jones' side.
"The thermometer of this England team is the forwards winning the physicality," said Petti.
"When they get control there they are very strong. The key in this match is going to be this. Lots of scrums, lots of mauls. The one who dominates these things will dominate the match.
"The forwards of England are very good, very powerful, very strong. It's good playing teams with these strengths. We want to play against the best and England are one of the best."
The Pumas' 'Bajada' technique has been used for more than 50 years and is based on the second rows binding around the props' waists rather than between the legs, which could put added pressure on Hartley in the hooker position.
"Yes we can do that, and maybe we have to think which scrums to fight and which ones not to," said Petti of Argentina's unorthodox scrummaging technique.
"We know that the scrum will be a very important area for this match. Our scrum has improved a lot in the past few matches.
"I think against Scotland we had a great scrum, but England is going to be more difficult.
"Their physicality is their strength. They are very aggressive.
"Dylan Hartley is a great player, he's very experienced and he knows how to lead England.
"But this will be a big battle, and one I think both sides will relish."
Petti also admitted Argentina's target of avoiding the 'group of death' at the 2019 World Cup has taken a dent after the Pumas were beaten by Scotland.
The top eight ranked teams will be sorted into two pots and can expect more favourable pools in May's World Cup draw, with victory over England now Argentina's last chance of moving up to eighth before then.
"One of our objectives is to be in the top eight so our defeat to Scotland was not very good," said Petti.
"But we can turn things around if we win against England. It is going to be very difficult but we will give it our all.
"We are really confident despite having two losses on this northern tour.
"The rankings are very important, but also, if you want to be world champions then you have to beat everyone at some point.
"Being in the top eight was our objective for the end of the year. This is our last chance."
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