Los Pumas Assistant Coach Contepomi - 'Unforced errors have consequences'
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Felipe Contepomi, assistant coach
On whether there were changes in the way the team prepared:
"It would be foolish to say something and not take action. What basically changed was understanding that unforced errors have consequences in the game.
"We believe and trust the game plan, the way we play and everything we have been working on for a year and a half."
About Pool D match between England and Japan:
"The thing about a Rugby World Cup is that you get to watch a lot of rugby – I also saw South Africa-Romania, Australia-Fiji and also England. Specifically, our focus is in Samoa. It would be disrespectful to focus on an opponent two games later. They all deserve your attention."
On how he watches games:
"I see them as a rugby coach. I don't know what it's like to see it as a fan, as a supporter. I see it as a rugby coach, I see ideas, how teams play, game trends."
On Samoa:
"Samoa is a physical team. We all know how they play or the intuition they have, something that all the (Pacific) Islands teams have. This Samoan team is very well coached, with good set pieces, more structured in in how they leave their field.
"They have certain classic, basic structures in their way of playing. Their physical strength is crucial to them. They have very good players. They have selected, due to the Law, high-quality players who have had a past in the All Blacks. They look good, cohesive. They have had a very good preparation.
"I know the coaches and they are very good coaches and are very prepared for the challenge, which for us is a great challenge."
On possible changes to his squad for the second game:
"We are always open to changes. Players compete for a position in training. All 33 are eligible. Yesterday we had training, another tomorrow and after that coaches will meet to decide the team.
"I can't say today if there are going to be changes. Players know; the week is made so that everyone competes for a position for the weekend."
On the perceived failure of decision-making against England:
"We work all the time on decision making; I think it is the most important emphasis since we arrived: trying to give the boys a framework to play and trust decision-making. We always work on that. We are not going to stop working because of a result."
"Obviously, we have already analysed and turned the page on England. There's no point in talking about that game a week later. We are focused on Samoa and on the things we want to improve and what we want to do on the field in that game. Several of these things go into decision making. Rugby is decision-making, life is decision-making. That's why we try to be as lucid as possible to try to make the best decisions."
On prop Joel Sclavi injury:
"Luckily he is training. We have to wait today and tomorrow to see whether or not he is available to be selectable. Hopefully he is eligible."
Mayco Vivas, prop
On Samoa:
"We have seen a little about what their system is like, how they play. They have a good pack, very strong, very dominant. We're going to fight there. They have very good players, with experience in the All Blacks and other teams.
"It is a key point to have focus there and not make mistakes that can be costly in a Rugby World Cup."
On his fitness:
"Physically I am very well, it is a great group both as human beings and rugby-wise. We did a great preparation for the upcoming World Cup matches."
About representing your club of origin:
"I am very proud to be representing CRAR (Círculo Rafaelino de Rugby) and also Atlético del Rosario, for whom I also played (in Argentina).
"I am very happy to play in a second World Cup and share it with Pedro (Rubiolo), whom I know from the club. The CRAR people are very happy and proud of the two of us."
Tomas Cubelli, scrum-half
On the comparisons of 2019 and also having lost the first game in Japan:
"It would be a mistake to make a direct parallel between 2019 and this World Cup. I don't think the parallel between the two is straightforward. They are different situations.
"From my experiences, not so much from that World Cup, but from previous moments, it is very important that we understand that the level of preparation is very high, the level of demand is very high, that mistakes are paid dearly in a World Cup.
"Saying that, we have to be aware that we have to enjoy being here, the responsibility we have here, of being together, of being here, of playing with this shirt in a World Cup.
"Also being aware that this is a game and we enjoy it more when we actually play it and bring all that incredible preparation to the court."
On his fitness situation:
"Physically I am fine, training alongside the team. Enjoying being here, fighting for a position. That's what it's about. There is a lot of goodwill internal competition. Enjoying and knowing that this is good for the team. It's about that."
On Samoa:
"I don't know if I would look for Samoa's weakness; I would look for ways to bring our game to them, to make our game feel very good against them, and if we can take it to the field it offers us many possibilities. And don't belittle them.
"The Samoans on every team they play are usually the ball-carriers. Their players who have been in good Super Rugby franchises and renowned teams.
"But they offer us opportunities if we dominate the game. By moving the ball and playing on our terms we can cause damage and put the focus there."
