Wales warned of tough Argentina challenge

Cory Hill is under no illusions as to the task at hand when his Wales side take on Argentina at the famously raucous Estadio San Juan del Bicentenario.

Wales captain Cory Hill admits his team are in for a tough challenge amid the raucous atmosphere of San Juan when they face Argentina in the first Test.

Warren Gatland's side are looking to build on their 22-20 victory over South Africa in Washington DC, with their head coach making eight changes for the meeting with the Pumas.

Argentina are yet to play together in 2018, but they should not lack cohesion as their entire matchday squad belongs to their domestic Jaguares franchise.

The Jaguares are flying high in Super Rugby and Hill, who will skipper his country for the first time at the Estadio San Juan del Bicentenario, has warned of the challenge ahead.

"It's going to be really physical and a proud moment for myself to lead the team, there are too many people to thank for me getting here," Hill said.

"We're really looking forward to getting out there. It's a great venue, an old-school football stadium with barbed wire around the ground and we know we're going to have to step up as a forward unit.

"I'm sure the crowd are going to be on our backs from the first minute and we need to make sure we provide a platform for the backs."

Wales were forced into a late change on the eve of the game, with loosehead prop Wyn Jones pulling out of the encounter due to a calf injury suffered in training.

He has been forced to fly home to seek treatment for the problem, with Rob Evans taking over his starting spot and Nicky Smith replacing Evans on the bench.

Hill is alongside Adam Beard at lock with Evans coming into the front row alongside inexperienced hooker Elliot Dee and tighthead prop Dillon Lewis.

"Sadly none of my friends and family are out here for this game, I think the two flights put them off," Hill said.

"I will be pretty calm and concentrated as captain and I'll just try to do my job as best I can. As a forward you always want to provide dominance for your team and this will be no different."


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Source: AAP


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