ARG team announcement (v NZL): head coach Cheika, captain Montoya, Boffelli, Gallo

Comments from Argentina head coach Michael Cheika, captain Julian Montoya, wing Emiliano Boffelli and prop Thomas Gallo following the team announcement for the Rugby World Cup 2023 semi-final against New Zealand at Stade de France on Friday, 20 October.

Michael Cheika, head coach

On if Argentina can beat New Zealand in the semi-final of Rugby World Cup 2023:

"New Zealand has always been an example in rugby, a benchmark. They make you think of high-level skills in a really open game but there are always threats in the lineout, mauls and rucks.

"In a World Cup semi-final they are dangerous everywhere. We have been training as best we can, we will be ready. We'll see what happens."

On weather conditions:

"That changes the game plan but the basics remain the same. Yes, the rain changes the details but the basics stay the same."

On inspiring the country of Argentina:

"It's not easy. We want to inspire not just by our results but by our ambition, by our ability to get back up and overcome obstacles. To inspire is not about results, it's not just one player who played well; no, it's about our behaviour in general, our ability to be ready to come back from difficult times and seizing our opportunities.

"There are not a lot of opportunities in life - us playing in a semi-final is even rarer and we want to have no regrets."

On the experience of beating All Blacks before:

"You have to take the moments you are in the game and see them coming at you at different times. In the game in 2020 there were things you could pinpoint. You can't say that one game means we can do it as there are a lot of games where we haven't.

"That moment has to be just a part of it. What we have done since then, all the success and failures [matters in our preparation]. The other team are heavy favourites, everyone is expecting a New Zealand and South Africa final. We just have to focus on what is required."

On the reaction if they win:

"We have a goal that we set out and it's not a straight line. We need to create momentum, to create an impact. We need to learn from the game and bring those lessons to the next game and, since 2022, that all counts."

On his different coaching experiences:

"They are all different experiences. This is different because I am dealing with a different culture of people, which I love and love being connected to. Leinster to Warratahs to Wallabies, those in that order has given me experience for this situation.

"We are doing everything to use it."

Julian Montoya, captain and hooker

On having beaten New Zealand for the first time:

"As soon as you get on the field you believe you can win. It's true we have some firsts under our belts. We were the first [Argentina team] to beat New Zealand, it confirms we can beat anyone. I have full confidence in our team and our players. This is the moment to play the best game of our lives and give everything."

On preparing physically:

"It's something we have worked on a lot, we wanted to be on top form physically. All the physios since Michael's arrival have been working on this. There has been a long preparation, it's good to see we are finishing games better than our opposition."

On bouncing back after losing to England in the pool stage:

"It was difficult but we always kept faith and we know the work we have been doing; internally we knew we were ready, we needed to work on some details. This is how we face these difficult moments. We can face problems at any point but our confidence in our players and staff [made us believe we'd get better]."

Emiliano Boffelli, wing

On New Zealand:

"It's quite simple - our defence needs to be perfect. To beat the All Blacks we need to play the perfect game. I have faith in the team. We can repeat what we have done already. I remember that game in Christchurch [a 25-18 win for Argentina over New Zealand in 2022] where all of our tackles were effective, all the players were getting back in their places. I think we can do it again. Honestly, I believe it. We are preparing in the best way possible."

On the performance against Wales in the quarter-final:

"Let's be clear - I prefer us to get better and better. We know it won't be perfect but we have faith in our team. Everything we have improved, the intensity in training etc, since England. We are fully fit so. It might not be perfect but we will do our best.

"The game against Wales we finally showed we have the ability to play. We were able to play in difficult moments, we were focused. We didn't succeed in everything but we tried everything. When you see the results between England and Samoa, ourselves and Samoa, it makes you think. I think from that point of view we are happy, we are getting better and better."

Thomas Gallo, prop

On the Ireland-New Zealand quarter-final:

"It was very intense with over 30 phases at one point, but this week was one of the best weeks for us so far and we know what this game means.

"We know how strong New Zealand are physically but we have faith in ourselves."

More to follow.