While Los Pumas might have come from the other side of the world, the response from Australia's vibrant Argentinian community has shown that ‘six degrees of separation’ can travel across oceans and continents.
The South Americans are set to be well supported this weekend in Townsville, with the away section sold out and Los Pumas feeling the love from their North Queensland expat community.
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The hot conditions that will welcome the sides to Queensland Country Bank Stadium is something Franco Molina is used to.
“I think it's quite similar to Argentina, so it's not so strange for us,” Molina said to reporters during the side’s captains run.
“We saw a bit of the Argentinians, we heard there's a big community. I think it's great.
“If we play at home, the people are great. But when we play away, especially in Australia and New Zealand, it's really far away from home. To find people from Argentina, they keep supporting us.
“It's good to meet them, to see them in the stadium and to hear them tomorrow.”
“I think if you're an Argentinian and the Argentinian team is coming here, you feel like your family is coming to visit you,” winger Mateo Carreras echoed.
“They message us and say we’re waiting that day the whole year. Our mindset for tomorrow is to give the win for the supporters.
“We know how it is to live away from Argentina. The situation in Argentina is getting better but it's tough to be outside of Argentina. The difference of time, when you're going to sleep, everyone is waking up in Argentina.
“That's why they feel like we are family. The community of Argentina is very strong.”
Despite the connections, it is clear Australia does hold a special place for the two Pumas, with Carreras earning his international debut against the Wallabies in Townsville in 2021.
“To be honest, it's really emotional to be here,” Carreras said.
“When I arrived here, the memories came into my head: ‘Don't be nervous, don't be anxious’, [but] I'm really anxious to play.
“The memory from that day wasn't too good, we lost. I've been thinking about tomorrow.
“We know what type of team Australia is. Always in the top five in the world. We know how dangerous they are with the ball or without the ball.
“They have too many world-class players. We know what type of game is coming tomorrow. It's going to be really tough for us.”
14-cap lock Molina, meanwhile, is set to link up with Australian rugby in a different way; having just signed with the Western Force on a two year contract.
“I'm really excited about the challenge,” he said.
“When Simon [Cron] and the Western Force contacted me, I started thinking of coming.
“I think it's a good competition for me to keep improving my rugby, keep practising and finding the best player I can be. I think Western Force presents that challenge to me, so I'm really happy to come here.
“I'm really looking forward to that. I spoke to all of them [ex-Argentine players who represented the Force] and I've heard only good things about the club.
“Good people, good weather, good city. I've heard only good things.”
While he is likely to catch up with several future Force teammates after the end of the series, Molina is expecting a strong Australian side to front up - and is staying grounded following the Pumas’ victory over the All Blacks.
“Australia comes in good form. They had a few good games before playing us, but for us nothing changes,” Molina explained.
“[We should] probably be aware of some things that they are doing well, then it's our work to do.
“I think it's always easier to prepare a week after a win. It's always easier, but I think the good thing that the team does is change the week.
“We had a long trip to Townsville. It's a new week, a new game.”
