All Blacks catch Pumas on camera

The New Zealand squad are spending this week glued to the television screen watching videos of Argentina ahead of their quarter-final clash at Eden Park on Sunday.

The All Blacks are having to rely on tapes because the teams have not met since June 2006.

"It's a shame you don't play more teams more often but that's the reality," Ali Williams told a press conference on Wednesday.

The 30-year-old second row played in that last encounter - a 25-19 victory for his side in Buenos Aires - and retains memories of a powerful Argentina pack.

"In lineouts they contested everything and the scrum was their strength and what they pride themselves on. If we didn't muscle up there then we were in all sorts of trouble," he said.

"The other reality is they've got some pretty good backs that can sting you from all over the show. It's a very dangerous side and that game we almost got caught out."

Williams is expecting another battle up front at the weekend as the All Blacks forwards face their biggest challenge yet at Rugby World Cup 2011.

Physical confrontation

"They're very forward-orientated. They love that physical confrontation," he said.
William's fellow second row Brad Thorn may have been playing rugby league in Australia when the All Blacks last met the Pumas but he knows all about their style of play.

"We have massive respect for Argentina's scrum, lineout, forward play in general. It's a great thing to come up against a really good opponent and test yourself."

The odds are against the South Americans. In 13 matches against the All Blacks a draw is the closest they have come to victory.

Argentina will get a chance to improve that record when they join New Zealand, Australia and South Africa in the new Four Nations competition next year.

The Pumas were bronze medallists at RWC 2007 but critics who question their ability four years on see a Pool B defeat by England and a one-point victory over Scotland as evidence of decline.

But Williams was adamant there was no room for complacency among the All Blacks.

"I think Argentina are a very strong outfit," he said. "Their game suits knockout competition. Take them lightly at your own peril. If you take them lightly then it will be a quiet old Monday for us."