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Contepomi: Facing Roberts is like Everest

Contepomi: Facing Roberts is like Everest

Wales centre Jamie Roberts has been branded ‘Mount Everest’ by Argentina.

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Pumas great Felipe Contepomi reckons facing the man mountain centre is as daunting a challenge ss tackling the world’s highest peak.

But he aims to cut the Roberts down to size when they square-up at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday.

“Going up against Jamie is a huge challenge – it’s like Everest,” said Contepomi.

“He’s the best centre in Europe and one of, if not the best in the world.

“Wales have a lot of important players and we see them as a unit but Jamie has that X-factor.

“It’s delightful to watch him play but it’s not so good when he’s in front of you. But you want to face the best players and I’m looking forward to the challenge.”

Contepomi inspired the Pumas to their first victory over Wales at the Millennium Stadium with a 25-point haul in 2001.

“It’s one of the great memories of Argentinean rugby but I am the only survivor from that team,” said Contepomi.

“For many of the players from that game, and every time we meet up to catch up, we always remember it. It was one of our biggest wins away from home and gave us the confidence and mentality to look for every game, no matter where.

“Wales is a rugby nation that we love, we’ve always been very in touch since the seventies when we nearly beat them. It’s one of the places you always want to play and I was so lucky to be part of the team that beat Wales at the Millennium Stadium.”

And following Argentina’s involvement in the inaugural Rugby Championship, Contepomi reckons the Pumas are better prepared than ever to challenge Wales.

“We’re happy with our preparation,” added Contepomi. “After the Rugby Championship we are no longer starting from scratch.

“Most of the players have been together for three and a half months, in a very tough tournament.

“But while you can be well prepared but the only thing that counts is that 80 minutes.

“We would love to beat Wales but it’s important that we perform properly. We know we’re playing a quality team, the team that has developed the most in the last two years.”

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