Argentina - England, Ouch!

By Stopsy
June 20 2002

So - Argentina's last two games against France and England have resulted in victory, but what will be the outcome on Saturday? Argentina is a hard place to tour, but this time England have an edge. Usually England expect, and are expected to win, this time around most will be happy with a good performance.

With the World Cup looming, there will be a number of players seizing opportunities that rarely present themselves. Will it stop and start in the front row? Will the mighty Pumas squeeze the life out of England? Who knows.

England must win and then retain the ball, with the Bristol half back pairing it is difficult to assume that Argentina will restrict themselves to the up the jumper brawn approach. The defence must be organised and the forwards will huff and puff towards the end.

Balding should get on to add some much needed bulk to proceedings. Vickery could go a long way to further cementing his role as a rugby player who wears 3 rather than a tighthead.

For once England doesn't expect, and I think their chances are all the better for that.

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