Far from dreading a hostile reception, Wallabies playmaker Bernard Foley is relishing the prospect of playing in front of Argentina’s famously fervent fans in Saturday’s showdown with the Pumas in Mendoza.
Australian goalkickers Mike Harris and Kurtley Beale have been targeted by zealous spectators shining lasers in their eyes in past visits to Argentina, but Foley is unfazed and says tackling the Pumas on home soil is one of the great experiences in world rugby.
“They’re very passionate; they can be hostile, but it’s exciting,” Foley said on Tuesday.
“I’ve only played here once before and that was my debut this time last year, so I’ve got very fond memories of the Argentinian crowd.
“Just the atmosphere, it’s very electric and exciting and it’s very unique to Argentina; you don’t get those crowds all around the world so it’s very enjoyable play in front of.”
Foley and prop Sekope Kepu said not allowing the Pumas into the contest was the best way to keep the crowd at bay.
“They remind me of soccer fans and atmospheres,” Kepu said. “They’re very passionate.
“For some of us, we sort of thrive off that as well and `Link’ (coach Ewen McKenzie) always talks about silencing the crowd early in the game.
“We did that for a long period of time at Newlands (against the Springboks) – you couldn’t really hear much (from the crowd) – but then the back 10 (minutes) was just deafening.”
After an exhausting three-flight trek from Cape Town on Sunday, the Wallabies were due to train for the first time in Buenos Aires on Tuesday after the squad’s luggage finally made it to the Argentine capital.
“It’s all here – we think,” Foley said.
“Our personal stuff is. I’m not sure if they’ve counted all the team stuff, but I think it’s all accounted for.
“Yeah, blokes are pretty happy to get their suits off and the black shoes (off).
“I don’t think it really put us out too much. Yesterday was a down day, a recovery day, so a lot of guys just tried to get their sleeping patterns and routines back in order.
“We’ve got gym (on Tuesday) morning and a training session this afternoon.
“Everything’s on track.”