Wales Prepare to Challenge Argentina's Renowned Scrum
Paul James, a four-time title winner with the Ospreys, is focused on countering Argentina's traditionally formidable scrum as Wales face the Pumas in San Juan on Saturday evening (20:10 BST).
Argentina dominated Wales in their previous encounter last November, securing a 52-28 victory during Steve Tandy's early tenure as coach. The Pumas scored seven tries in what was a record win over Wales.
In the upcoming Nations Championship match, newly appointed scrum coach James is tasked with neutralizing the Pumas' powerful set-piece tactics.
"Argentina still pride themselves on the set-piece and we know it's going to be a big challenge coming," said James.
Insights on Argentina's Scrum Culture
James was asked about why Argentina values scrum time so highly. He responded:
"I think it's bit of a front row male chest out really, isn't it?
In fairness, our boys are loving scrummaging at the moment.
We're in a good place but, after the loss last week against Scotland, we know Argentina are going to come out really hard and fast.
So we're just ready for the challenge. What I have said to the boys is don't try and manufacture something on your own. Stick to our process.
You scrum as an eight, you don't scrum individually. That's the big message."
Wales' Current Form and Squad Depth
Following a victory over Fiji in Cardiff on Saturday, Wales travel to the Estadio San Juan del Bicentenario in north-west Argentina with an unbeaten record in the Nations Championship as they enter the second round of fixtures.
Wales endured an early physical challenge from the Pacific Islanders but emerged as convincing winners, achieving back-to-back Test victories for the first time since the 2023 World Cup.
Ospreys tighthead Ben Warren made his international debut off the bench, and with the return of experienced prop Dillon Lewis after a two-year absence from international play, Wales are developing greater front-row depth.
"The boys worked hard over the last couple of weeks and the Fijians are big men, powerful men.
To scrum the way we did made me very happy. If you haven't got a set-piece, you haven't really got a game.
Obviously you can use it in attack, but you can also use your scrum to get out of sticky situations.
We're trying to build something, so to back up the result with another win going into Argentina is massive.
If we don't back up last week's performance it means nothing."
James' Role and Relationship with Coaching Staff
James initially took on a temporary scrum coaching role during the Six Nations after a training injury sidelined fellow Ospreys coach Duncan Jones. He was appointed permanently just before the tour.
"It has been great," said James, who earned 66 caps for Wales.
"I had a little bit of a taste of it during Six Nations but to get the job on a full-time basis is class. We are building something nice.
I am very proud. It is nice to have that buzz of representing your country but in a different way."
James and head coach Steve Tandy, former teammates at the Ospreys, are now collaborating closely.
"It is class, Steve has been brilliant," said James. "The energy he brings towards the boys. I'm just really proud and loving it."
