Argentina captain Felipe Contepomi is ready to play through the pain barrier against Scotland on Sunday.
Argentina captain prepared to risk further injury against Scotland
Argentina captain Felipe Contepomi is ready to play through the pain barrier against Scotland on Sunday in order to help keep their World Cup campaign alive.
The 34-year-old suffered a rib injury in the opening 13-9 Pool B loss to England, a result which leaves the Pumas needing to beat Scotland to have any hope of reaching the knockout stages.
On Friday, Contepomi was named at inside centre for the match and, while he insisted the team came first, he suggested the fact the tournament is his final World Cup impacted on his thinking.
He said: "We don't have many chances to play for the national team and I think that every chance you have you want to play.
"Obviously this (game) even more - it's a World Cup. I've been lucky enough that it's my fourth World Cup, but it's definitely my last, so if I can play as many games as I can I'll do it.
"Having said that you have to prioritise the benefit of the team and not your own benefit.
"Probably there is a higher risk of refracturing the (rib) cartilage, but it's a risk I'm ready to take - it's not a life or death risk.
"It will be more painful maybe, but that's it. You can do things after the game to calm down the pain."
Treatment
Contepomi, a qualified doctor, has undergone rigorous treatment in order to be fit for the match.
The former Bristol and Leinster back, now at Stade Francais, added: "I'm taking pain killers, anti-inflammatories and ice after the training session.
"I had a procedure done by the doctor of the team - a small injection of dextrose, it's glucose, but it's nothing illegal.
"It's just time. We knew it was going to be very tight. Luckily I've rested enough and I was lucky that it healed quickly."
Contepomi missed last week's 43-8 defeat of Romania and was one of two changes to that starting XV, with flanker Julio Farias Cabello also returning from injury.
Contepomi's inclusion means Martin Rodriguez has been moved to full-back, and he admits he is happy to be playing at inside centre.
He added: "I have played probably more at 12 than at 10 for Argentina; the same at Toulon, at Leinster I played 12 many times.
"It's a position I very much like and that I feel very comfortable. For this game it's the best option for the team."
Argentina head coach Santiago Phelan emphasised the importance of Contepomi.
Phelan said: "He's the captain. He's important not only as a player, but as the leader of the team.
"He's in good condition to play and it's very important for the Argentina team."
Better now
Argentina knocked Scotland out of the 2007 tournament at the quarter-final stage.
The sides have met five times since, Scotland winning three times, including a 2-0 Test series success in the last clashes in June 2010.
Phelan, though, believes the Pumas are better now due to the build-up to the game.
He added: "Argentina this time are well prepared because we have had two months working together.
"That's the main difference to playing against them in the last three or four years."
