Argentinian Defence coach Kidwell, Creevy, Mallía - 'You don't think about losing'

Comments from Argentina defence coach David Kidwell, hooker Agustín Creevy and full-back Juan Cruz Mallía ahead of their final Pool D match against Japan in Nantes on Sunday, 8 October.

David Kidwell, defence coach

On the game against Japan:

“It is another important game for us. I see us growing in confidence, making sure we trust ourselves and our system and taking that into the game this weekend.”

On how he feels in the Pumas camp:

“I feel very good, relaxed. I love asados (barbecues), I enjoy that. The boys have been relaxing and, luckily, we have a very good group of coaches who have helped me. The boys have been like sponges taking in the environment, being calm.

“This is my first Rugby World Cup and I'm enjoying the spirit of knockout matches and the people in the stands at the matches.”

On the challenge of facing Japan:

“They are very well coached, they have good skills. In our defence, connection and making tackles are important.

“Japan put a lot of people on their defensive line and it will be a tough game. We have to focus on what we do well.”

Agustín Creevy, hooker

On how the team is: 

“We are well, knowing the importance that this match has for us. It is a round of 16 decider. Another final that we have to overcome. We are training very well, trusting in what we have been doing for a long time. We have to continue highlighting things and improving others.

“Personally, I am taking it very calmly, enjoying it game by game, and this week enjoying day by day. I think that if we do things well, the team will respond.

“We are confident and convinced of what we have in front of us on Sunday.”

On the scrum and maul:

“Lately, games are decided that way and the team that makes the difference is the one that usually wins. Obviously, I don't take away anything from attack, defence, the breakdown. But today, set-pieces are taking a leading role.

“We know that we have a strength there, with things to improve, but obviously it can be a weapon to win the game.  think Japan has a really good scrum. We are focusing on that and we want to win it.”

On the Japan match in the context of the history of Argentine rugby:

“It is very important for our future in the tournament. We trust ourselves, we know we can achieve it. If we want to be in the final, semi-final or quarter-final, we have to get through this match first so it's really important for us. We have to stay connected and believe in ourselves. Obviously, it is an important game, but not the most important in our history.”

On the trust within the team:

“Trust was never lost. Obviously, we had to grieve after the loss (with England) and we had 12 days to do that. We were lucky to process it well and understand what had happened.

“We always trust each other. The team knows very well where we are going and, obviously, we are going to focus on our gameplan, in what we have been doing and proposing because we believe in that. If the team is convinced, I am sure we will move forward. In this position we are going to have a great game and achieve what we came for.”

On mental consistency:

“These are not only very physical matches, but also very mental ones. We are going to have to be very intelligent on the field, disciplined in everything we do, follow the game plan and if things don't work out at times, restart. It will require 80 minutes and all 23 players.”

On the possibility of losing:

“You don't think about that. We are preparing to win the game. Then there are consequences, unfortunately. We prepare to win the games, we see the important points where we can improve, where we can continue working, believing in ourselves, in what we are doing.

“You always think about how you win and not what might happen in you lose.”

Juan Cruz Mallía, full-back

On the Pumas defence:

“It has been very good during the tournament. I don't know whether to change something or be ready for what comes from Japan. We know of their strength in attack, they have the legs to go on the outside.

“We feel good and comfortable in defence. We have been growing throughout this Rugby World Cup and we hope to take another step forward this weekend.

“I am convinced that the team continues to grow during the week, it will continue to grow over the weekend and we are prepared to go out on the field and show it on Sunday.”

On what is needed for Argentina to continue in RWC 2023:

“Courage, confidence that we have been building in these games. We know what we have to do. We have to go out on the field and do it.”

On the challenge Japan present:

“They are a very neat team, very methodical, they move their legs a lot, they have very good defensive organization.

“The back three are really fast, their fly-half kicks very well and the forwards are also good. They are going to be really tough on Sunday.”