Argentina are renown for their set piece, physical approach and aggression - and it's challenge Jeremy Williams is excited to tackle.
The Wallabies enter Saturday's Townsville clash as narrow favourites but Williams is wary of the threat Los Pumas pose after playing in both fixtures against Felipe Contepomi's men last year - a 20-19 victory before their infamous 67-27 thrashing.
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A lot of time has passed between now and then, however, and the 16-capped Wallaby is ready for whatever Los Pumas (and the North Queensland humidity) can throw at them.
“If you just watch the last couple of games they've played, quite physical around the field,” Williams told reporters on Tuesday.
“They move the ball really well. We're expecting it to be a physical game and a fast game. They've got a great aerial game as well, so we're going to have to match that.
“If it's going to be hot, it's going to be hot. I don't think it'll affect us too much. We've been used to it.”
Australia will be without Will Skelton after the 32-capped lock was called back to French club La Rochelle for club duties.
However, Skelton’s exit presents exciting opportunities for one of the standout players of the Lions Tour - barnstorming lock Lukhan Salakaia-Loto - and Reds teammate Josh Canham, who debuted against Argentina in Santa Fe last year.
Thrown in the likes of Williams and 31-capped Wallaby Nick Frost, and Australian coach Joe Schmidt will have plenty of lock combinations to consider.
“We've been focusing quite a bit on our line-out the last couple of weeks and really sticking to our process there and what we want to get out of it,” Williams explained.
“Obviously, Will was great when he was in the squad, and now we've got guys like Lukhan and Canham stepping into the squad.
“That gives us another jumping option at line-out time.
“It's just about making the right call and following our process and getting the ball back.”
Both sides need victory on Saturday to keep their Rugby Championship title hopes alive, with the Wallabies needing two wins over Argentina to reclaim the Puma Trophy - which the men in gold have not held since 2022.
Williams is backing his side's growing consistency and confidence to shine through against one of rugby’s most entertaining and dangerous outfits.
“I want to really build on [South Africa] into this game on Saturday,” Williams said.
“I think we've been building nicely. We've still got a fair few things to work on and we're working hard at that at training.
“It's about getting better each week and progressing as much as we can.
“The boys are really excited to get out there and show those improvements.”
