Win over All Blacks possible — lock Petti

They’ve taken on the All Blacks 26 times without success, but Argentina believe their improvement in some key areas can wash away their winless history.

The Pumas are coming off their biggest (and just third ever) victory over the Springboks. The 32-19 triumph last month saw Argentina showcase some impressive attacking pace and set-piece skills as they overwhelmed their more credentialled counterparts.

Lock Guido Petti believes their strengths shown in that win can translate to their clash in Nelson on Saturday.

Always known for their bruising forward pack, one of the Pumas’ most notable improvements has been at lineout time, and — though a lock may be inclined to say so — Petti thinks it can be a platform for success.

“We’re improving a lot in the lineout, this year [first] with the Jaguares, then the Pumas, we showed it. The dynamic of our lineout has been very good, we are very quick and have very good movement. I think the scrum and lineout are the keys to the match — that’s where the battle is going to be.”

Petti is aware of the challenge confronting his side. When asked to list the All Blacks’ strengths, he practically rattled off every rugby skill that has ever existed, but is embracing the pressure.

“It’s a lot of motivation for us. We are very lucky to face them in a way — it’s a great opportunity for us to face the best team in the world.

“We always have pressure. Pulling [on] the jersey of the national team is always a pleasure but also a responsibility, so we have to make the most of it and leave everything on the field.”

After a year in which the Jaguares claimed their first victories on New Zealand soil — beating the Blues and Chiefs — Petti wants to continue the trend in the blue-and-white Pumas jersey, as difficult a task as it may be.

“We have to have no errors, no errors at all,” he said.

“We know it’s not impossible. We look forward to facing them and will give the best of us.”