Wales prepare for Argentina challenge
Wales lock Adam Beard is looking to replicate past success as the team prepares to face Argentina in San Juan this Saturday. Beard was part of the Wales squad that secured a 23-10 victory against the Pumas in San Juan eight years ago. This upcoming match is part of the Nations Championship.
Several players from that 2018 winning side are still in the current squad. Josh Adams and Dillon Lewis both started in the previous fixture, while Aaron Wainwright made his Test debut off the bench. Hooker Ryan Elias, who is set to earn his 50th cap this weekend, was also a replacement in that game, and Tomos Williams was an unused scrum-half.
Beard reflected on the passage of time, noting, “It’s great to be back here eight years after the last time and how quick that time has gone, it’s crazy.” He acknowledged Argentina as a proud rugby nation and expressed hope for a positive outcome despite squad changes since their last visit. The match will take place at the Estadio San Juan del Bicentenario, an intimate venue with a capacity of just over 25,000.
The atmosphere at the Estadio San Juan del Bicentenario can be hostile, according to Beard, but he views such environments as desirable for rugby players. He stated that experiencing different crowds and teams is a valuable part of the sport, and the team is eager for the weekend’s game.
Squad changes and individual performances
Head coach Steve Tandy has announced three changes to the Wales team that previously defeated Fiji at the Cardiff City Stadium. Ellis Mee will start on the wing, replacing Louis Rees-Zammit, who moves to the bench. James Botham comes in at blindside flanker ahead of Alex Mann, and Sam Costelow will start at fly-half.
The replacements’ bench includes Ryan Elias, who is poised to reach his 50th Wales cap, and Kane James, who could make his senior international debut. Tandy explained these selections, noting that Ellis Mee has been playing outstandingly well and that Rees-Zammit, who did not train extensively last week, will be an exciting option off the bench when the game opens up.
Beard, who will earn his 67th cap on Saturday, has worked to maintain his place in the Wales squad over the past year. He described his performance against France in the Six Nations as a “nightmare,” featuring costly mistakes that led to a French try. Following this, he was moved to the replacements’ bench, with Ben Carter partnering Dafydd Jenkins for the remainder of the tournament.
Beard used that period for reflection and adapted to his new role coming off the bench. With Exeter captain Dafydd Jenkins sidelined by a shoulder injury for Wales’ summer matches, Beard returned to the starting lineup against Fiji, contributing to the team’s opening Nations Championship victory. He emphasized taking opportunities when they arise and enjoying his rugby while representing Wales.
Tandy, who also coached Beard at the Ospreys, praised the lock’s response to adversity, calling his performance last weekend one of his best for the team. He highlighted Beard’s dedication and leadership within the group, especially after the France defeat. Beard is set to complete a long season after Wales’ final two matches against Argentina and South Africa in Durban next weekend.
Beard recently joined the Wales squad after his first season with French club Montpellier, which included a Challenge Cup success and reaching the Top 14 final against Toulouse. He described the move to France as the best decision he has made rugby-wise for himself and his family, despite the initial difficulty of leaving the Ospreys after many years. He noted the physical nature of the French league and the high level of support and passion experienced there.
Looking ahead to the match
Tandy expressed confidence in the team, stating, “We trust our group and the boys who are going to take the field.” He acknowledged the challenge posed by Argentina, describing them as a “terrific team” with significant depth and passion. The coach anticipates a hostile but exciting Test match, viewing it as an opportunity for the players to gain experience and learn from playing in a different culture.
The Wales boss also spoke about the importance of winning, noting that it brings confidence and can become habitual. He stressed the need for the team to be at their best and focus on crucial moments in the game. The team announcement for Wales included Blair Murray, Ellis Mee, Eddie James, Joe Hawkins, Josh Adams, Sam Costelow, Tomos Williams, Rhys Carre, Dewi Lake (captain), Dillon Lewis, Ben Carter, Adam Beard, James Botham, Jac Morgan, and Aaron Wainwright in the starting lineup.
The Argentina team for the match includes S Carreras, Delguy, Cinti, Piccardo, M Carreras, Albornoz, Garcia, Wenger, Montoya (captain), Rapetti, Petti, Alemanno, Grondona, Kremer, and Oviedo. The match is scheduled for Saturday, 11 July, with kick-off at 20:10 BST.
Wales will be hoping to build on their recent victory against Fiji as they face Argentina in San Juan this weekend.
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Source: bbc.co.uk
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Joel Kavanagh is a Sports News Writer at News-GB. He started on a Midlands sports desk. He focuses on rugby union, golf and boxing and is known for clear, deadline-driven reporting. He holds a degree in Journalism from De Montfort University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Now based in Leicester, he plays amateur rugby and follows the fight calendar. “In sport news, the first ten minutes decide everything.”