Cheika, about Los Pumas’ BAD debut and duel against Samoa

The coach of the Argentine National Team spoke at a press conference and analyzed the team’s current World Cup.

After a poor start against England, The Pumas They are preparing for their second game in Rugby World Cup 2023that will be new Samoa next Friday from 12:45. Michael Cheikacoach of Argentina National Teamspoke at a press conference where There was a new performance of the national team.

“We have a good look at Samoa. With what we saw yesterday we were able to confirm what we had seen before. The focus is on our game, attacking with the continuity we want with the ball. In defense even very solid because we know they are a strong team and defense is very important for us“, declared to the media. “They train well with a great group of coaches. I know their players. I worked with (Christian) Lealifano at the Wallabies, Ducan Piaa’aua, Lima Sopoaga, I know a lot of players from the Southern Hemisphere. It will be a tough match. We are in a World Cup and we see that almost all the games are very competitive“, he added.

A poor debut against England in the Rugby World Cup

“These days we talk a lot about that. It’s part of training, it’s knowing what kind of team we are on and off the field. That mentality is important. It’s more about knowing how to be responsive to specific moments.”he assured. “We did an analysis of the first match as usual and moved on to the things we needed to do. We don’t want to be in the future or too far in the past. The players are clear where we want to improve, in their preparation. “Nothing has changed, it’s just more regular in all sectors in preparation for the game.”, complete.

“This preparation is long-term. It’s not a week of mental preparation. It’s a gradual work. I had a plan for a long time; After a year, we continued to run it. We all do our best, then we see the result. “The ultimate goal is always to train at a high level and that’s not easy, it’s part of the path we have to take to become a better team.”, he judged.

Injuries and the present of Los Pumas

“Only Joel Sclavi is in doubt; it is possible that he will be available this week. We are not sure, we need two more days to see if he is really available”explains Michael Cheika. “LaWe went to the World Cup with a plan of how we wanted the team to be and to think about times and unexpected events. There is always the possibility to adapt due to the injuries or specifications of each opponent you play. This is not a fixed guide. It’s about being clear about what things we want from the team today and in two days selecting the squad of 23 for the match. “Let’s enter the playing field with a plan.”, he continued.

“We’re good; we’ve prepared very well. A team can go a long way in a World Cup when it has the ability to bounce back from a bad situation.. It’s part of rugby, always. This is how we get up. It’s part of our path, it’s normal.”said. “No team is guaranteed to win every game. The reaction of the players today is very good. But he was definitely influenced by being part of the group, because I have a lot of confidence in my team. “I know what they can do, I have a different perspective than what people from the outside might have,” he concluded.