Argentine coach's plea to referee: treat us fairly

By CHRIS RATTUE

Argentina's coach Marcelo Loffreda has called on Australian referee Andrew Cole to treat both sides the same in Saturday's test against the All Blacks in Christchurch.

Loffreda also wants New Zealand to improve touring arrangements for mid-level teams such as Argentina.

The Argentines play second division battlers Thames Valley in Paeroa today with first five-eighths Gonzalo Quesada among a few players fighting for test positions.

Loffreda claimed last night that Australian Peter Marshall was influenced by the All Blacks' reputation against Samoa.

"The All Blacks are one of the best teams in the world and don't need the help of the referee," said Loffreda.

"In the first half, the referee only looked at one team. He only penalised Samoa. He balanced out in the second half but that first half made a big difference. I want to prevent that happening to us. I don't want people to misunderstand ... referees do it subconsciously.

"They assume certain things because one team is better. All the people are supporting the All Blacks, all the show is for the All Blacks."

Loffreda also said touring arrangements were below standard. The squad was originally split between two motels in Pukekohe, and they were to fly from Tauranga to Christchurch in three groups, before they arranged a flight from Rotorua.

"The changes were Argentinian initiatives, not New Zealand's," said Loffreda. "It is unacceptable. We are an international team. I don't think it's a lack of respect - maybe they were busy and couldn't concentrate on these things.

"If the All Blacks go to another country I'm sure they get looked after in a different way."

Meanwhile new Thames Valley coach Mike Turner, the former Ponsonby man who coached the Auckland second XV, described today's game at the 3000-capacity Paeroa Domain as the biggest in his players' careers.

"We are lucky to get an international these days. It's a big day. Our players make a lot of sacrifices," said Turner. "We will be up against it but we want to learn for the NPC. We're trying to play with a bit more structure."

Thames Valley, who won one out of eight in the NPC last year, have six newcomers, including starters Glen Stanton (formerly of King Country and Southland), Andrew van Hout and Marcel Ammes. Leading loose forward Simon McKearney is injured.

Thames Valley: Dean Moloney, Marcel Ammes, Dion Lawson, Glen Neems, Aaron Steel, Bevan Robinson, Aaron McDonald; Andrew van Hout, Carl McDuff, Stephen Trebilco, Bob Rigter (c), Glen Stanton, Carl Tremayne, Aaron McKain, Bart Thompson. Res: Paul Joseph, Terri Rahui, Kyle O'Brien; Hayden Cullen, Anthony Jackman, Matt Bartleet, Steve Morrison.

Argentina: Federico Serra, Jose Nunez Piossek, Eduardo Simone, Jose Orengo, Facundo Soler, Gonzalo Quesada, Nicolas Fernandez Miranda; Alfonso Amuchastegui (c), Rimas Alvarez, Martin Durand, Mariano Sambucetti, Leonardo Roldan, Mauricio Reggiardo, Mario Ledesma, Leopoldo De Chazal. Res: Gonzalo Camardon, Felipe Contepomi, Agustin Pichot; Lucas Ostiglia, Alejandro Allub, Pablo Cardinale, Federico Mendez.

Referee: Lyndon Bray (Wellington).

Kickoff: 2.35 pm.