KEY POINTS:
PARIS - South African halfback Fourie du Preez turned up the heat ahead of the rugby World Cup semifinal on Monday (NZT) by describing Argentinian opposite Agustin Pichot as "irritating".
The two pivotal players will have key roles at the Stade de France as the Springboks aim to take another step closer to securing a second world title while the Pumas hope not to freeze in their first semifinal appearance.
"He is quite irritating, he's always there trying to upset you and obviously he wants to direct his team as he is their leader," du Preez said of Pumas skipper Pichot.
"He is one of those halfbacks that are in your face the whole time and it is difficult to play against a player like that."
Pichot, 33, is a veteran of the Pumas team with 69 test caps while du Preez is six years younger and has collected 36 caps.
The South African, however, was keen to point out the Argentinian's strengths.
"His leadership skills and the pressure that he puts on the opposing halfback," said du Preez, who added that despite South Africa never having lost to Argentina in 11 matches, their opponents will not be under-estimated.
"Argentina have shown in this World Cup that they are a great team and I think they played exceptionally well against Ireland," du Preez said.
"So we know it's going to be a very tough one and that's what we wanted in a semifinal of the World Cup.
"There are going to be a lot of high balls kicked, they don't play it out of their half. They kick the whole time so definitely that is a strength and their defence has been brilliant.
"I think they have the best defensive record in the tournament, so we must be ready for all those kicks."
- AFP
