England prepare for Pumas

Johnson wary of unpredictable opposition

By Victoria Chipp.   Last Updated: September 3, 2011 2:53pm

Image text here

Johnson: preparing his side for his World Cup

Sky Bet

Martin Johnson is not shy to admit to concerns about playing Argentina first up in the Rugby World Cup.

Given the South American side's record of upsetting the favourites it is hardly surprising the England manager is somewhat worried about facing the 2007 semi-finalists in Pool B next week in Dunedin.

"We'll be under no illusion on what a difficult game this will be."
Martin Johnson Quotes of the week

Other than simply Argentina to worry about in Pool B, 2003 champions England have an erratic Scotland amongst their group and underdogs Romania and Georgia.

"The secret of World Cups is that you've just got to play the next game and not worry about winning the tournament. Next Saturday it's about beating Argentina," said Johnson, who captained England to their 2003 World Cup title.

"We've played them two or three times over the last few years, won at home but lost over there.

"But they are tough battles and as we start to think about the team for that game over the next few days, we'll be under no illusion on what a difficult game this will be."

Battle

Argentina are known for their physical prowess and powerful forward pack, Johnson said England are going to work on getting the first ten minutes right, then work in ten minute blocks, but he warned it may not be easy.

"At set piece, breakdown, they're all over you," he said.

"They make it very difficult to play against them and they're very competitive. What they do, they do well and we've got a lot of respect for them."

Argentina may be without the injured Juan Martin Hernandez, but several strong players from 2007 remain in the squad such as fly-half Felipe Contepomi and full-back Lucas Gonzalez Amorosino.

The Argentina full-back went on to say that he believes the key to beating England is to put pressure on the newer members of the squad who lack World Cup experience.

"We have to put pressure on them," he said.

"All teams have one error in the backline, and it should be a close match. We will try and make fewer errors."

Most of the 30-man Argentinian squad play their rugby in Europe with only five selected from their domestic competition.