ARGENTINA CAPTAIN Felipe Contepomi is prepared to battle through the pain barrier in order to ensure the Pumas’ World Cup campaign does not end prematurely against Scotland in Wellington tomorrow.
The 34-year-old suffered a rib injury in the opening 13-9 Pool B loss to England, a result which means Argentina must beat Scotland to have any hope of reaching the knockout stages.
Contepomi was yesterday named at inside centre in the Argentina team and, while he insisted the team came first, he suggested the fact the tournament is his final World Cup impacted on his thinking.
He said: “We don’t have many chances to play for the national team and I think that every chance you have you want to play. Obviously this (game) even more – it’s a World Cup. I’ve been lucky enough that it’s my fourth World Cup, but it’s definitely my last, so if I can play as many games as I can I’ll do it. Having said that you have to prioritise the benefit of the team and not your own benefit.
“Probably there is a higher risk of refracturing the (rib) cartilage, but it’s a risk I’m ready to take – it’s not a life-or-death risk. It will be more painful maybe, but that’s it. You can do things after the game to calm down the pain.”
Contepomi, a qualified doctor, has undergone rigorous treatment in order to be fit for the match. The former Bristol and Leinster back, now at Stade Francais, added: “I’m taking pain killers, anti-inflammatories and ice after the training session. I had a procedure done by the doctor of the team – a small injection of dextrose, it’s glucose, but it’s nothing illegal. It’s just time. We knew it was going to be very tight. Luckily I’ve rested enough and I was lucky that it healed quickly.”
Contepomi missed last week’s 43-8 defeat of Romania and was one of two changes to that starting XV named yesterday, with flanker Julio Farias Cabello also returning from injury.
Contepomi’s inclusion means Martin Rodriguez has been moved to fullback, and he admits he is happy to be playing at inside centre. He added: “I have played probably more at 12 than at 10 for Argentina; the same at Toulon, at Leinster I played 12 many times. It’s a position I very much like and I feel very comfortable. For this game it’s the best option for the team.”
Argentina head coach Santiago Phelan emphasised the importance of Contepomi. He said: “He’s the captain. He’s important not only as a player, but as the leader of the team. He’s in good condition to play and it’s very important for the Argentina team.”
Scotland prop Allan Jacobsen knows supremacy up front against Argentina is key to victory. A win will be a sixth in a row for Andy Robinson’s men – a feat not achieved since the 1989-90 Grand Slam-winning season – and maintain the record of reaching at least the quarter-finals at every World Cup.
It is sure to be a physical confrontation between two well-acquainted teams – since Scotland were knocked out of the 2007 tournament by the Pumas, the sides have met five times.
Edinburgh loosehead Jacobsen has played in all five fixtures, three of which resulted in victory for Scotland, including the two most recent encounters in Argentina 15 months ago. Jacobsen, who was 31 on Thursday, said: “It feels like one of the biggest games I’ve played for Scotland, playing Argentina in a World Cup – it’s like a cup final in the group.
“I’m really looking forward to it. I’ve played Argentina five times in the last four years.”
