Argentina's players celebrate after their team defeated Ireland. Photo / Reuters
PARIS - Scotland hooker Fergus Thomson heaped praise on Argentina on Wednesday, saying the Pumas could be the team of the World Cup. "They've improved a lot", Thomson told reporters about Scotland's opponents the quarter-finals on Sunday in Paris (0800NZT).
"I think they could be the team of
the tournament. They always seemed a scrummage team but now they also have other skills and are fast on their feet."
Scotland had expected to challenge France for a place in the semi-finals but will meet Argentina instead after the Pumas upset the tournament hosts in the opening game and went on to win their group.
"We have to be fairly happy with the draw," Thomson said. "If we perform well, we could win."
Scotland, who have featured in the last eight of every tournament but made the last four only once, advanced to the quarter-finals with a nervy 18-16 win over Italy at the weekend.
That match was not pretty and another hooker in the Scotland squad, Ross Ford, warned Sunday's clash with Argentina might not be either.
"It will be much the same as the Italian match," he predicted, delivering depressing news to those who love fluent, attacking moves.
"Coming into the scrums it was quite physical and draining at times (against Italy), so it was an ideal warm-up for the Argentina game."
Scotland will name their team on Friday.
- REUTERS
