KEY POINTS:
MARSEILLE - Argentina, determined to finish top of Pool D and avoid a quarter-final clash against tournament favourites New Zealand, are targeting a big win against a weakened Namibia on Saturday (1900 GMT).
"With the objectives we have set ourselves, we can't afford to be mediocre and say
that all we have to do is win on Saturday," hooker Mario Ledesma told reporters.
"We have to beat Namibia and earn ourselves a bonus point. We have a unique opportunity and we have to do all we can to take it. The challenge is to win and score four tries."
After a 17-12 upset victory over France in their opening match and a 33-3 win over Georgia, the Argentines, who have yet to concede a try, are in pole position in Pool D.
With rivals France and Ireland going head to head on Friday night, they know that they could wrap up a place in the last eight for only the second time if they beat a Namibian side who have yet to win a World Cup match.
"Any result between France and Ireland will suit us because if we win our remaining two games we are going to finish first whatever happens," said captain Agustin Pichot who returns to the starting line-up after missing the Georgia match.
Coach Marcelo Loffreda's injury worries appear to have subsided a little with Felipe Contepomi shrugging off a blow to the ribs to take the number 10 jersey and reserve first five-eighths Federico Todeschini on the bench after a leg injury.
First choice first five-eighths Juan Martin Hernandez is still out with a bruised thigh, but the Argentine camp are confident he will be available for the side's final pool match against Ireland.
By Simon Baskett
MARSEILLE, Sept 21 (Reuters) - Argentina, determined to finish top of Pool D and avoid a quarter-final clash against tournament favourites New Zealand, are targeting a big win against a weakened Namibia on Saturday (1900 GMT).
"With the objectives we have set ourselves, we can't afford to be mediocre and say that all we have to do is win on Saturday," hooker Mario Ledesma told reporters.
"We have to beat Namibia and earn ourselves a bonus point. We have a unique opportunity and we have to do all we can to take it. The challenge is to win and score four tries."
After a 17-12 upset victory over France in their opening match and a 33-3 win over Georgia, the Argentines, who have yet to concede a try, are in pole position in Pool D.
With rivals France and Ireland going head to head on Friday night, they know that they could wrap up a place in the last eight for only the second time if they beat a Namibian side who have yet to win a World Cup match.
"Any result between France and Ireland will suit us because if we win our remaining two games we are going to finish first whatever happens," said captain Agustin Pichot who returns to the starting line-up after missing the Georgia match.
Coach Marcelo Loffreda's injury worries appear to have subsided a little with Felipe Contepomi shrugging off a blow to the ribs to take the number 10 jersey and reserve first five-eighths Federico Todeschini on the bench after a leg injury.
First choice first five-eighths Juan Martin Hernandez is still out with a bruised thigh, but the Argentine camp are confident he will be available for the side's final pool match against Ireland.
- REUTERS