Argentina head coach Santiago Phelan insists the Pumas will be underdogs against France on Saturday.
Pumas coach looks to the future
Argentina head coach Santiago Phelan insists the Pumas will be underdogs on Saturday despite defending a 14-year unbeaten home record against France in Cordoba.
Phelan has opted to give the next generation of Argentina stars their chance in the June internationals as part of his preparations for their inclusion in the Rugby Championship.
Phelan's starting XV to face Les Bleus has just 156 caps between them - half of which belong to veteran fly-half Felipe Contepomi.
And although France, themselves, will be without the likes of Thierry Dusautoir, Imanol Harinordoquy and Nicolas Mas, Phelan claims the World Cup finalists will be the favourites.
"It is a huge opportunity to see the young players who will be the future of the Pumas," said Phelan.
"Individually there is still a gulf between the players that will represent the XV of France and the Argentine team.
"But there is an enormous pride in wearing the Pumas jersey. There is much talent in the team that has been revealed by the desire and enthusiasm we have seen.
"We will have a formidable team but if France play to their true level then it will become complicated for these young Pumas to win."
