All told, last weeks Welsh performance wasn't bad, a lot of positives just the wrong side of the scoreline. Coming so close and not winning often hurts more than being convincingly beaten, but not many Autumns have hurt the Welsh squad as much as last year. So much was expected as always, but four defeats in four test matches told the story of last November. Wales started that bad Autumn last year against the Puma's, losing 26-12, and questions were bound to be asked of the squad. It put the squad through a dire patch which they would only come out of with George North's lucky try in the corner against France the following Spring. That taught Wales how to win games again, that was also the game where North's Dad came on the field to celebrate, in was a weight off everyone's shoulders.
So this Saturday at half past two, what will the Argentinians have, they are well noted for a strong pack and line-out game, so it is going to be physical. Another tough encounter after the Springbok's smashed in and out of Cardiff last weekend. Although the Welsh may still be tired from that brutal encounter, they mustn't show, because the Puma's will be even more tired. They have just come out of the Rugby Championship, losing all their games, and as everyone knows any sport is far more tiring when you are losing. They played a Summer tour against England and in the time between that Summer tour and last years Autumn they were playing regular club rugby. The Argentinians have not stopped, a weakness perhaps, and one that the Welsh will need to exploit. For all the talk of a good scrum and line-out game, the Puma's are often disregarded in the backs, but they have some very talented runners. Last year Wales found out that the hard way, and the finish by Juan Imhoff was top class, and really sunk Wales that day. Just a word of warning, don't take the Puma's lightly, they are far from the 'Weak Man' of Southern Hemisphere rugby.
Then what of Wales, not much needed changing after such a solid performance last week, apart from the injuries that took their toll. Cory Allen will make his debut alongside Scott Williams at centre, the young Cardiff Blues centre will be looking to impress just as he did in the Hong Kong Sevens. There he scored the fans favourite try, a good runner but balanced with great power, he has been described my Sam Warburton as the blend of Jamie Roberts and Jon Davies, and still only twenty. Thankfully Liam Williams injury isn't as bad as feared and he will be back for the weekend, Jon Davies however, will be fighting to reach the Six Nations if his injury is as serious as first believed. Rhodri Jones will come in for Adam Jones at tighthead, but look out for Samson Lee on the bench, the new scrumaging laws have really suited the young Scarlet and he could make an impact. The change I was looking to see has been made, Priestland is out, not Hook but Biggar steps in. That should provide a little more creativity at 10 without taking away from the kicking game that Gatland likes so much. It is up to Biggar to to step up, if he does he could make that shirt his permanently because Hook doesn't look to be getting a chance and Priestland doesn't seem to perform. I would also guess that if squad rotation is the order of this Autumn, then Rhys Patchell might be given a run out against Tonga in the Friday night game.
Other than these few enforced changes, it is the squad near enough that played this test last year. They will know the hurt that they felt after that game, and they will be wanting to put it right. If they do that then it should be a fairly comfortable victory for Wales, they will certainly want to get a win so they can build to the Australia game in two weeks time.
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