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Cusworth in awe of his Pumas

Les Pumas: Cusworth congratulates Horacio Agulla after yet another win

Argentina's director of rugby Les Cusworth has lauded the Springboks but believes his side will be able to prod at a few areas of weakness when the two nations meet in Sunday's World Cup semi-final in Paris.

The former Leicester and England fly-half has been the number three in the Pumas' back-room for the last seven years, and has played a pivotal role in their assault on the official world rankings.

Argentina's romp across France has been largely due to the impressive performances of Argentina's big forwards and clever half-backs, but Cusworth know that it will take an extra-special effort from the Puma pack to deny the South Africans a second appearance in the Final.

"It's going to be very physical," said the Yorkshireman.

"The Boks have a lot of experience, very good set-pieces, a competition like the Tri-Nations, good backs like the pair of centres or [Bryan] Habana, and a full-back like Percy Montgomery, who is one of the best in the world.

"Yet we do see some weaknesses in the team. We played against them in 2004, and with a team that wasn't our best team we were able to score three tries against them.

"But we have never beaten them and we respect them a lot for their history."

Argentina's players have talked at length about their strong bonds of their fraternity, and Cusworth admits to being in awe of their collective will.

"They have real pride in playing for Argentina - in forty years of being involved in rugby, I have seen nothing like it," said Cusworth, who lives with his Argentine wife and daughter in Hurlingham, Buenos Aires.

"We've got a base of players that other countries would die for."

"[Argentina coach] Marcelo Loffreda has developed this side over the last six or seven years and we go into Sunday well prepared, giving our players every chance.

"This is a journey for them - for the players. Whatever the result, they will have enjoyed the experience.

"We have to recognise that we have a special group here.

"The Argentine players are warriors and when they put on that jersey it's something unique."

Cusworth also paid tribute to Juan Martín Hernández and Felipe Contepomi who have become the first Argentina players to be nominated for the International Rugby Board (IRB) Player of the Year award.

They midfielders have been key figures in the Pumas' rise to a first ever World Cup semi-final appearance.

But Cusworth, the former England fly-half, insists this is only the beginning for Hernández.

"I have known Felipe for a long time and his progress in the past few years has been incredible," said Cusworth.

"With Hernández what stands out is his abilities and his manner. He is turning into a great player and he's going to get even better.

"Physically he's a great player. You could say that he's a bit like Stephen Larkham a few years ago but you can't really compare him with anyone.

"He's like a mixture of several good players. He's one of the best in the world."