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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Darwin" data-source="post: 525081" data-attributes="member: 24910">Right, time for Dingo_Darwins preview of the key matchups:I see Argentina having an advantage up front this match, particularly at scrum time.  While the Australian scrum held up well against South Africa last week (and arguably even had the edge), I think this week will be a different story for a couple of reasons.  One is a change in the Aussie locks.  I think Timani has contributed hugely to the Aussie scrum, and though Douglas is a good scrummager himself I don't think he is as good as Timani.  The second reason is  Roncero.  While Alexander held up very well against Mtawarira last weekend, Roncero is a much more difficult proposition.  He probably doesn't had the raw strength of Mtawarira, but he is vastly experienced, and is much shorter than Mtawarira.  His height (or lack there-of) is quite important, as tall tightheads often struggle against shorter LH props, especially ones with all the tricks in the book!  I see Figallo having an advantage over Robinson on the other side, and though I think Polota-Nau is better than Guinazu, I don't think he makes up for the advantage Argentina look to have in the props.  Again, I think Argentina have an edge at lock.  Sharpe is still playing good rugby, and though I quite like Douglas he is a rookie at this level, while Albacete and Carizza are both quality international locks.The loose-forwards look pretty evenly matched to me, though Australia could well have the advantage at the breakdown through Hooper.  Faras Cabello is a good solid player in my opnion, in a very similar mould to DEnnis, so I think they basically cancel each other out.  I would take Hooper over Leguizamon, mainly as I think winning the breakdown battle will be crucial, though I do think Leguizamon is a very good player.  Fernandez Lobbe is a world class number 8, and though Samo has been fantastic for an 80-year old man he is not in the same class.  The halves are very evenly matched in my opinion.  I'm not at all familiar with Landajo, but JMH played very well at 10 last week - I was particularly impressed with his defense.  Phipps is an ok halfback.  He isn't the playmaker Genia is, and his passing can a be a bit slow at times, but he does get to the breakdown quickly, and I have always been impressed with his work-rate on defense (he is usually near the top of the tackle count).  Cooper was solid last week, and as I have said before I have a feeeling he will thrive in the role of the sole play-maker, especially with a hard running 'bail-out option' in McCabe outside him.  I think Australia have the advantage in the midfield, but not by a huge amount.  Though I'm sure the Aussie midfield will be criticized for lacking creativity, I think if used correctly a McCabe/AAC midfield could be very effective.  McCabe runs great lines at times - if Cooper can hit him with a short pass he could well find gaps in the Argentine defense, or they could simply skip him and go wide, as Argentina us a very narrow defensive line.  The best thing about the Aussie midfield is on defense though - I can't see anyone getting through McCabe and AAC (though they may target the Phipps/Cooper channel).Out wide again I think Australia have and advantage.  Ioane was well contained last week, but is always a massive threat.  I have been quite impressed with Camacho thus far, but I feel he will have a hard time containing Ioane.  On the other wing Shipperly faces off against Agulla - though Shipperly lacks experience I actually think he will get the better of this match-up.  Both teams have new fullbacks this week.  Amorosino is a good attacking fullback (from what I remember!), so hopefully will spark some Argentine counter-attacking from the back.  While putting Barnes at fullback is certainly a risk (and I'm sure he will be tested under the high ball) I think it may pay off for Australia, as he is probably the best tactical kicker in their side (and at least back there he won't be doing any 'stupid dribbly kicks'*)I think it will be a pretty close game, but I feel Australia's home advanatge, and superior goal-kicking, will be enough to see them through.  If Argentina can turn the match into a forward battle the could well win, but I think the Aussie backline will prove too good if they can get enough quality ball (a big if I suppose!).  Overall I'm picking Australia to win by 10-15.*As coach Robbie Deans described them at halftime last weekend.</blockquote>

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