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Phelan to pick Loffreda`s brain

Wednesday 30th April 2008

Loffreda: Set to share some of his tricks of the trade

Recently appointed Argentina coach Santiago Phelan is hoping a meeting with his predecessor Marcelo Loffreda next week will provide him with some valuable tips about managing the national team.

The Pumas have started preparations for the first of two Tests against Scotland and Phelan is aware he has much to live up to after Loffreda led the side to a third-placed finish at last year's World Cup.

"I'm flying to Europe next week to meet Loffreda. We want to continue the good things he and his staff achieved in the past," said Phelen.

The 34-year-old is also planning to consult players who were involved in France to provide further insight ahead of the clash with Scotland.

"Also, I will meet Agustin [Pichot], Felipe [Contepomi], Mario Ledesma ... I will watch some matches, too," Phelan added.

"I think it will be a worthy experience.

"We'll try to have the best players against Scotland. Then, we'll see whether each [European] club can release them or not, as some of them will surely reach the final stages of their respective leagues."

The match is being staged in Rosario to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the region's union, and Rosario Rugby Union president, Eduardo Diaz, is looking forward to the occasion.

"Rosario is celebrating - we are lucky that the UAR have chosen us to organise this Test," he said.

"Rosario will welcome this match with euphoria. It will be the first match Argentina play after the World Cup and we want it to be a celebration.

"It is a very important event for us. Thanks to the Pumas' recent campaigns, their presence will be more and more important year by year, so the organisation will have to be more and more professional."

The Pumas will meet Scotland again on June 14 in Buenos Aires.