Wales v Argentina

There was a time, earlier this year, when Welsh rugby would have scoffed at the suggestion that the autumnal challenge of Argentina would prove a set-piece hurdle too difficult to conquer.
With three British and Irish Lions in the front row and a fourth pushing from the rear, the Wales scrum appeared to be in particularly safe hands. Yet at the Millennium Stadium, with only one of that quartet missing through injury, the safe bet is that Wales will suffer the indignity of another physical beating.
With that in mind, Wales coach Warren Gatland has spent much of the week undermining the strength of the vaunted Argentine scrum and implying that the Pumas might not be as clinically efficient as others believe.
However, in the continuing absence of tighthead prop Adam Jones, who had shoulder surgery after the Lions tour, and on the evidence of the side's disappointing set-piece performance against Samoa, the reality is that the Welsh scrum is again vulnerable and under the spotlight.
Admittedly, the presence of Gethin Jenkins and Matthew Rees does at least provide some ballast in the front row, while Argentina's failed attempt to dominate England in that department seven days ago adds substance to Gatland's argument.
Unfortunately, switching the Ospreys loosehead, Paul James, to the opposite side of the scrum, albeit through necessity, has meant Wales are significantly weaker than they have been for some time.
The wounded Pumas have been licking their lips in anticipation of a British kill this week, hellbent on making Gatland eat his words. If there is a weakness at scrum time, Argentina will expose it and provide themselves with a secure platform from which to launch their limited, but often effective, kicking game from half-back. If not, Wales will win.
Mario Ledesma, the Argentina hooker, said: "We might not have the best scrum in the world, but we will try to disturb them in that area.
"It was disappointing to lose at Twickenham last week, but if we can beat Wales, it would be the perfect response."
Gatland, whose inflammatory comments came less than two weeks after his claim that the All Blacks had lost their aura, has reverted to all but one of the side that started against New Zealand two weeks ago. With Tom Shanklin ruled out after breaking his nose during the 17-13 victory over Samoa, Scarlets centre Jonathan Davies comes in to partner Jamie Roberts.
That pair could have a significant part to play if Wales can achieve parity, at least, at the set piece.