Rugby World Cup: Contepomi 'honoured' to play in New Zealand

Argentina captain Felipe Contepomi. Photo / Getty Images

Argentina captain Felipe Contepomi says it doesn't get any better than playing a Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.

The 34-year-old first five-eighth will miss Argentina's crucial Pool B clash against Romania on Saturday after bruising his ribs in the 13-9 loss to England in Dunedin.

But the skipper told Radio Sport he is still thrilled to be in New Zealand.

"It's an honour to be here. It's one of the, if not the, proudest rugby nations in the world. Having the chance to play a World Cup here, where rugby is a religion, is like having the chance to play a soccer World Cup in Argentina."

Contepomi was taken aback by the level of support for Argentina in their opening match in Dunedin.

"We are very grateful to all the people because their support was unbelievable.

"We're looking forward to going to Invercargill and hopefully entertaining the New Zealand people there as well."

He is also looking forward to Argentina's inclusion in the Tri Nations - set to become the Four Nations - competition in 2012.

"In the long-term I think it will make a huge difference. In the short term, we'll have to get used to it and we'll probably suffer a bit. We know our limitations and we know we are below the standards of New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa. But we can only improve."

Contepomi has no doubt who the Cup favourites are this year, backing the All Blacks to come good at the knock-out stages.

"I'm sure [the All Blacks] have the players to go all the way through [to the final]. With all the people behind them in New Zealand, I'm sure they are the team to beat."

- Herald Online