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Leguizamón and son

Leguizamón: 'Our dreams have become reality - but we want more'

Argentina star Juan Manuel Leguizamón has admitted that his side's heroics have taken a toll, revealing that preparations for Sunday's historic encounter with South Africa in Paris are centred on rest and recuperation.

The Pumas had already endured draining encounters with France and Ireland before they come up against the robust Scots in the quarter-final.

Argentina managed to winkle out a win to secure a first appearance in the last four of the World Cup, but they were first to admit that their performance lacked the energy that has become synonymous with the South Americans.

"This week we are going to focus a lot on recovery so that we arrive at the semi-final with our tanks full," he said.

"Being in the right place mentally is fundamental.

"We are one of the best four teams in the world, so our dreams have become reality and we are happy - but we want more."

The loose forward, who plays his rugby for London Irish in the Guinness Premiership, first played the game in Santiago del Estero province in northern Argentina.

His love affair with rugby began after one of his uncles took him to see a game at the Santiago Lawn Tennis club.

But they weren't the only Leguizamóns to fall for the game.

"My first game for the club's senior side was a unique experience," recalls 'Legui'.

"The day I made my debut in the first division I was 17 years old, and my brother, my father and I made up the back row!"

Leguizamón went on to play for the Argentina at Under-19 and Under-21 level, captaining the latter side at the IRB Under-21 World Championship in 2004; his brother, Gonzalo, has also represented the country at age-grade level.

The Exiles star is currently being kept out of Argentina's first-choice team by the startling form of Gonzalo Longo, but - if genetics have anything to do with it - the 24-year-old has plenty of time to establish himself in the side.

"My father is still in impeccable shape physically," said Leguizamón proudly.

"In fact, he only recently stepped away from playing the game!"