Assistant coach Fernández Lobbe (ARG) - “The team has been growing since game one"

Comments from Argentina's assistant coach, Juan Martín Fernández Lobbe, on Monday after beating Japan in the last game of Pool D and reaching the quarter-finals of Rugby World Cup 2023.

Juan Martín Fernández Lobbe, assistant coach

On Pablo Matera's injury:

“He's currently ruled out for Saturday's game. The rest of the players are okay, with the typical bruises of a match that was played like a final. So today, there are 32 players ready for Saturday's game.”

"As we speak, Michael [Cheika] is meeting with the medical staff to see what the possibilities are, analysing the degree of the injury and next steps to make sure we have the best plan that can allow the team to prepare in the best way for Saturday."

On Wales:

“As soon as the game finished yesterday, we have been thinking about Wales and preparing ourselves for what's to come. We are going to continue with the same methods that we have been using in this Rugby World Cup. We have a typical week for preparation, if it's an extra day or one less, we'll adapt. This week is a day shorter for us."

“All games are now finals. It's a game of pressure, we'll have to do all simple things well. Wales is going to come to try and do their thing, exert that pressure on to us. They are very identified with Warren Gatland's philosophy of putting pressure to the opposition and being a combative team."

“But if it had been another team, it would be the same thing, doing simple things well with as much consistency as possible.”

On the areas Argentina needs to work on before facing Wales:

“The team has been growing since game one. We have been getting better on each match, we've added more intensity and other details too. The things that we wanted to correct of the match with England were done with Samoa, things that didn't work with Samoa did against Chile, and details from the game with Chile were better executed against Japan.”

“This team has already played four finals in this World Cup. It all starts with the first row, the breakdown, the defence, how clinical you are with your foot and then, the attack.”

“We must be good in the breakdown, which is where the Welsh focus on, defending with a lot of pressure and firmness. We have to play an intense kicking game, and when given the opportunity have a firing attack. It sounds simple but this requires a lot of work. The team is very clear about the gameplan and we have to continue along that path.”

About the team that may be picked for Saturday:

“We are focused on the week. It is the best way to be prepared to win. If all players are prepared and available? Yes. Anyone who gets picked to play will be ready".

"What options will we use to pick the 23 for Saturday? These are decisions we take as a staff. Those who get to play against Wales are going to do everything they can to keep this team growing and getting better."