My money is on Weepu starting at 9.
Would have loved to seen Pichot go another WC, the guy was easily Argentina's best ever #9 and even as he approached retirement was seen as the best scrummie in the world (over the likes of Gregan and Kellaher). With a fit Juan Martin Hernandez I would have given Argentina a 40% chance of winning this match, they can play boring rugby through the forwards if it's wet and they can also open out and expand through their skillful backs. For some reason they are missing that link right now and it's hurting them so they have dropped to about 20% chance in my book.
There is one final thing I will say however, NEVER, EVER write off the Puma's.
One v One matchups will be interesting nonetheless.
1. Roncero v Woodcock - Roncero. He's got the experience and power.
2. Ledesma v Mealamu - Mealamu. Both stalwarts and great servants but Mealamu is tough, Hore would be better though.
3. Figallo v Franks - Franks. On club form he's the best in the word, this world cup he's failed to impress.
4. Albacete v Whitelock - Albacete. The Argentine is in career-best form, watch this matchup
5. Carizza v Thorn - Thorn. Old hard Thorn is unbeatable at his best, he will grind down is opposite number.
6. Cabello v Kaino - Kaino. Easily the Kiwi here, he is in amazing form and will be hard to stop for any opposition.
7. Leguizamon v McCaw - Even. This should be McCaw but he has injury clouds over him, the Argentine 7 and ref will neutralise Richie.
8. Campos v Read - Read. Kiwi has this by a country mile, Lobbe and it's a completely different story.
9. Vergallo v Weepu - Weepu. Experience will be the difference here, add kicking duties.
10. Fernandez v Slade - Even. Neither are first-choice or proven at this level. Will be relying on those around them heavily.
11. Agulla v Jane - Even. Both are capable of brillance, both capable of stupidity. Should neutralise each other.
12. Contempomi v Nonu - Nonu. Form 12 of the tournament up against the experience and machine of Contempomi. Watch this space.
13. Bosch v Smith - Smith. No real competition this one, Kiwi's have another 3 guys who would win this battle too.
14. Camacho v Kahui - Kahui. Looks to be in real form the Kiwi winger, injury cloud but still dynamic.
15. Rodriguez v Dagg - Dagg. Dagg is coming into form, this should set off alarm bells everywhere.
