Beers on hold for Ledesma-Cheika reunion

Argentina coach Mario Ledesma knows the Wallabies better than most after serving as the side's forwards coach under Michael Cheika for three years.

Argentina Pumas coach Mario Ledesma

Pumas coach Mario Ledesma knows the Wallabies better than most after serving as a former assistant. (AAP)

Former Australian assistant coach Mario Ledesma has made his mark before the clash with his old boss on the Gold Coast, claiming the Wallabies are in need of a witch doctor and he doesn't blame his Argentinian side for spending a little too long at the beach.

The mentor graduated to the Los Pumas' top job after working wonders as the Wallabies' forwards coach for three years.

Saturday's Rugby Championship Test on the Gold Coast will mark his first reunion with opposite number Michael Cheika, although he's revealed the pair have already caught up for a midweek brew.

"Just two old friends having a beer, chatting about life, family," Ledesma said on Friday.

"Our wives and kids are good friends, used to go to the same school ... lots of common points between us, a really strong bond.

"It's nice coming over here, meeting with Cheik and the boys but when the whistle blows it's another story and we'll have a beer after the game."

Wallabies assistant Stephen Larkham initiated the banter earlier in the week when he jokingly sent a few sledges Ledesma's way.

The visiting coach returned serve on Thursday but on game-day eve cut a more serious figure.

Argentina haven't won in Australia since 1983 but will be a threat based on their plucky form against New Zealand last weekend and their defeat of South Africa at home last month.

The late withdrawal of Wallabies captain Michael Hooper (hamstring) should help the visitor's cause but Ledesma remains wary.

"I know that they've been having problems (with injuries) the last couple of weeks. It's been weird," he said.

"I told Cheik he needs to see a witch (doctor) or something.

"But that help the cohesion, too, when you're fighting all that stuff it makes you really dangerous ... by no means is it a negative."

Ledesma, who used to sing his country's anthem when Australia played his homeland, also admitted his players looked a little sunburnt after a week on the Gold Coast.

"I guess they went to the beach but I'm not going to judge. It's a beautiful place, beach is 200 metres away, so good on them," he said.


Share

3 min read

Published

Source: AAP


Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News daily and direct to your Inbox

Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Download our apps
SBS News
SBS Audio
SBS On Demand

Listen to our podcasts
An overview of the day's top stories from SBS News
Interviews and feature reports from SBS News
Your daily ten minute finance and business news wrap with SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves.
A daily five minute news wrap for English learners and people with disability
Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS
SBS World News

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service
Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world