Loffreda - not a happy man (Getty Images).
LOFFREDA IS STILL COMPLAINING
By Simon Stone, PA Sport, Sydney
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Argentina coach Marcelo Loffreda has again blasted the World Cup organising
committee.
The Pumas play their third pool match at Aussie Stadium on Wednesday against
Romania just four days before their make-or-break tussle with Ireland in
Adelaide.
Loffreda has already voiced his discontent with his side's cramped fixture and
has re-stated his argument after making six changes to the team which beat
Namibia last weekend and taking the novel step of appointing his third different
skipper in as many games.
"We have two games in four days, it is not long enough," he said.
"We were supposed to be the seeds in group and the way the fixtures have
worked out favours Ireland. Maybe it is because we are regarded as a second-rate
rugby nation, but it is not right.
"If we had seven days to prepare for Sunday's match like Ireland have we
might do things differently but as it is, we have to use our resources in the
best way we can."
So far, only number eight Gonzalo Longo is a fitness concern for the Ireland
encounter with inflammation of his Achilles tendon. However, all that might
change on Wednesday as Loffreda is expecting a rough, physical battle with a
Romanian side anxious to impress after their 90-point hammering by Australia at
the weekend.
"We know they are going to be very physical and that they have strength in
their forward pack, so we know we will have a strong battle there, that is why
we have chosen this team," he said.
"When a team suffers the kind of defeat they did to Australia, you never
quite know how they will react.
"But I am pretty sure they will be trying to get their pride back and that
alone will make it difficult for us. Hopefully though we can win the game and
get through without any injuries."
Significantly, Mario Ledesma, who under-performed badly in the tournament
opener against Australia, is named as Pumas hooker, suggesting former
Northampton front-row Federico Mendez is being held back to face the Irish.
Like Mendez, experienced half-back duo Agustin Pichot and Gonzalo Quesada have
been allocated bench spots just in case the game does not go as Loffreda plans.
The Pumas boast a 100% record in their six encounters with Romania, although
the pair have not met since 1998 when Argentina scored nine tries in a 68-22
romp.
Romania's leading try-scorer Gabriel Brezoianu switches to full-back from his
usual wing berth as Danut Dumbrava misses out with a shoulder injury, while
flanker Marian Tudori and wingers Ioan Teodorescu and Mihai Vioreanu are
introduced for the first time.
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