Rugby: Cautious Wallabies aim to set platform before going wide

The Wallabies got out of jail in their first Rugby Championship meeting against Argentina last month. Photo / Getty Images

Wallabies forwards coach Andrew Blades says Australia won't fall into the same trap of probing wide too early against a Pumas side which almost skinned them on the Gold Coast.

The Wallabies got out of jail in their first Rugby Championship meeting against Argentina last month, scoring 17 points in the final 20 minutes after trailing 19-6.

Argentina are eyeing their maiden win in the tournament and Blades said it was crucial the injury-ravaged Wallabies take the battle to the Pumas' powerful forward pack and build an attacking platform before employing their backs.

On the Gold Coast, Australia passed the ball wide immediately and looked capable of cutting the world No 8-ranked side apart but were often caught and isolated.

The Wallabies were outmuscled in the collisions in their last-start 31-8 drubbing by South Africa and know they must toughen up.

They also aim to take a leaf out of the All Blacks' book after New Zealand ran in seven tries in their 54-15 win over Argentina last weekend, but only after setting a platform.

"To play against the Pumas well you first do the hard work and that's where we suffered on the weekend - around the tackle," said Blades.

On the plus side for the tourists, hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau and Radike Samo are confident they will overcome shoulder problems to play.

Of the five players carrying injuries, it appears winger Digby Ioane (knee) and Scott Higginbotham (back) are in most doubt. Centre Anthony Faingaa has been cleared of a head knock and is expected to replace Adam Ashley-Cooper in the midfield.

- AAP

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