Figallo's dreams come true

Juan Figallo’s beaming face throughout the press conference at the Caledonian Ground on Tuesday said it all.

The 23-year-old's happiness was the result of being named in Argentina's starting XV to face the English on Saturday.

When the Pumas claimed the bronze medal in France at Rugby World Cup 2007, Figallo was playing at the IRB Under 19 World Championship. Never in his wildest dreams did he picture himself lining up with the big boys at RWC 2011.

'Chipi', as he is known to friends, described his thrill at being called on by the coach to play tighthead prop against the English.

“I was happy. At the time I was sitting in sheer disbelief next to Rorro (Rodrigo Roncero), who squeezed my arm," he said. "The others already came to show their support and I am content, as it means much to me."

No doubt

The Montpellier prop, who made his international debut on the Argentines' tour of France last year, is in no doubt how tough his team's opening match in Pool B is going to be.

“I believe it will be a very difficult match, as with every World Cup debut," he said. "We have been training hard for this for a long time so I hope to see the results we’ve been expecting.

“I imagine that physicality will be essential to the outcome. Luckily it is something we’ve worked on thoroughly and I have high hopes for the battle.

“We’ve been following our rivals closely. I know I’ll probably face (Andrew) Sheridan and I’m keeping in mind both his size and international experience. But aside from that I think we should focus on ourselves rather than them.”

Figallo agrees with teammate Mario Ledesma that Argentina would do well to slow down the match against the English.

“I have nothing to contradict Mario’s opinion. He’s a wise old fox.

"We will do what we must to win. If we must all fling ourselves on the ball so it doesn’t escape, so be it. This is a World Cup and we’re out to win it.”

Priorities the same

In his first few matches for Argentina, Figallo alternated between tighthead and loosehead. “My priorities as a player remain the same whether I wear 1 or 3.

"I must do my best for the team. After the scrum I can't get to the breakdown (as a tighthead) as quickly as when I play loosehead, but I play the same and feel equally comfortable on both sides. I just want to be in the team no matter what.”

Figallo believes the scrum will be key to Saturday's match.

“The scrum is vital to the way we play. Handing good balls over to our backs eases things and fuels us mentally. And it plays on our rivals' minds, too. It’s better to play on the advance rather than doing so when retreating, in attack and defence.”