While both Australia and Argentina are celebrating milestone matches for key players, Wallabies skipper Harry Wilson says his team needs no extra incentive as they try to book a second Rugby Championship victory.
The Wallabies take on the Pumas in Sante Fe in northeastern Argentina on Saturday afternoon (Sunday 5am AEST) hoping to notch their second win of the tournament after a 20-19 scoreline over the home side last round.
Prop James Slipper will draw level with halfback great George Gregan as Australia’s most-capped player when he comes off the bench for his 139th Test.
The home side are celebrating their captain Julian Montoya, who will become the fourth Puma to play 100 Tests.
Wilson said his team wanted to win for Slipper but also for Australian rugby as the Wallabies continue to rebuild after hitting a historic low at last year’s World Cup under then coach Eddie Jones.
“Every game you want to win, there’s no Test match we’re not wanting to win but if we did get the win, it would be extra special to honour one of the greats of Australian rugby,” Wilson said of 35-year-old Slipper.
“He’s everyone’s uncle in the team, he’s just such a leader and such a warrior.
“To play 139 Test matches for his country in the position he’s played at is ridiculous so it’s just going to be an honour to play with him in this game because he’s one of a kind and I love every moment playing with him.
“The Pumas, obviously Montoya’s 100th game this weekend, that’ll be something that they’ll get up for.”
The Australians went through their final training run under blue skies in a marked change from their last two Tests which have been played in driving rain.
In his second game as skipper the No.8 welcomed the dry conditions but was wary of the Argentinians, who put 38 points on New Zealand as they opened their Rugby Championship with a shock win.
“I guess it’ll be a bit more of a free-flowing game, in ideal rugby playing conditions,” Wilson said.
“It’s really exciting for us and I guess we really want to come out here and express ourselves.
“We’re definitely expecting a response from the Pumas – it was such a close one last week and we know they’ll come out and bounce back and really play with even more passion and fire in the belly.”
