Dragons flanker Taine Basham is expecting a physical encounter against Argentina in the first of their two Test series at the Principality Stadium on Saturday (kick-off 1pm).
Basham made his Wales debut during the 68-12 victory over Canada on the weekend - scoring a brace of tries in an impressive first cap off the bench for the abrasive back rower.
But the 21-year-old star is expecting a tougher test against the in-form Argentinians, a side who have beaten New Zealand and drawn with the Australians twice in the last 12 months.
And Basham has pointed out Dragons team-mate Gonzalo Bertranou as a threat for the Los Pumas and praised team mates Aaron Wainwright and Ross Moriarty for their roles as a back row collective.
“The physicality Argentina bring is huge. They’re a good outfit so it will be a big test these next two weeks. Gonzalo is a very feisty player,” said the Talywain forward.
“There is a bit of an edge to him and he likes a quick game. He likes to play with tempo and with quick tap penalties so it will be good to see him.
He continued: “It was a good blow out against Canada. It’s obviously a level up as everyone knows, but I really enjoyed it and felt comfortable.
“I’m used to playing with Aaron Wainwright and Ross Moriarty. We work well together as a collective so it’s always good to have those guys right beside me.”
Basham made it third time lucky against the Canadians after previously being called into two national squads without making an appearance.
But the dynamic back row admits it was a proud moment for him and his family when he entered the field in the second half.
“The Talywain boys and my family were out in full force,” he smiled. “There was a big group of them who came down to support me for the Canada game so hopefully I’ll stay in touch with them over the course of the rest of the campaign as well.
“This is my third camp with Wales so it’s third time lucky I suppose. To finally get my cap was fantastic for me. The tries were an added bonus.
“The main thing I’m proud of is coming on in the game and receiving my first cap. It was a massive and proud moment for me and my family.”
They’re a good outfit so it will be a big test these next two weeks... Gonzalo is a very feisty player...
