Pumas face England in Santiago del Estero amid World Cup fever

Santiago del Estero is buzzing with anticipation for the FIFA World Cup final between Argentina and Spain, with streets adorned in the national colors and Messi's image. However, the Pumas' upcoming rugby match against England on Saturday is seen as a significant, albeit secondary, event.

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England is England: it's a rugby powerhouse and these are the games you want to play and wear this jersey. There's not much more spice.

The Estadio Único Madre de Ciudades is expected to be at least 80% full for the Pumas vs. England clash, a venue that has historically favored the Argentine team. Previous victories against the Springboks in 2024 and Scotland in 2022 were secured at this stadium. This match, however, presents a different challenge as the Pumas aim to overcome their struggles against England, a team they have only managed to defeat once in their last 16 meetings.

Players like Justo Piccardo, who will start at center, acknowledge the unique atmosphere created by the World Cup but emphasize their professional focus. "England is England: it's a rugby powerhouse and these are the games you want to play and wear this jersey," Piccardo stated. He noted that while he enjoys football and follows Argentina's progress, his concentration remains on the rugby field.

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It's a special week because of who England is and what's happening with the World Cup. It's a nice week, but it's still a rugby match.

Joaquín Moro, returning to the bench, echoed this sentiment, calling it a "special week" due to England's status and the World Cup's presence. He will face several Leicester Tigers teammates in the English squad, including Joe Heyes, George Martin, Ollie Chessum, and Jack Van Poortvliet. Moro anticipates a "physical war, with a lot of contact, set pieces, very strategic" match.

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I like football, but I don't put football into what would be rugby. I watch all the reactions to Argentina's games, the videos, but this is something else. For me, let people talk, we are focused here. Everyone handles the noise as they can.

England has been a formidable opponent for the Pumas, with their sole victory in recent history being a narrow 30-29 win in 2022 at Twickenham, largely thanks to an outstanding performance by Emiliano Boffelli. The team is determined to confront this historical difficulty head-on, despite the distracting fervor of the global football tournament.

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It's going to be a physical war, with a lot of contact, set pieces, very strategic. I imagine a beautiful game to watch from the outside, with a lot of intensity.