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Subscribe to RSS FeedPumas feast in Paris
Meat Hooks: Martín Scelzo chose the chops
Argentina's players enjoyed a hearty asado, a traditional Argentine barbecue, on Thursday evening - a feast that helped them relax and provide the necessary sustenance for Sunday's semi-final against South Africa in Paris.
Prop Martín Scelzo took charge of the festivities, citing experience in his father's Buenos Aires butcher's shop.
"We got the meat from the hotel, and I was the person who chose the cuts because I know something about meat," he said.
"But the person who is in charge is 'Champ' [team physiotherapist Sergio Carossio] - he is the one who made the asado."
Team management hopes this small taste of home will leave the team refreshed and ready for their "dream" match.
Carlos Ignacio Fernández Lobbe said the team is loving every minute of the build-up.
"It is a dream we had before the world cup, it was a target we aimed for," said the lock.
"We knew it would be very tough to arrive at this point in the competition but we always believed in our team, our spirit, our way of play.
"After five very tough games we are in the semi-finals. So this week we are enjoying it a lot."
The relaxed atmosphere might have help the Pumas ward off memories of an 11-game losing streak against the Springboks.
"It is quite difficult but we are trying not to think about it. We have a new game now, a new opportunity," said Juan Manuel Leguizamón.
If the Pumas can break the Springboks' dominance and reach the final, 'Pumamania' in Argentina is set to go through the roof.
Fernandez Lobbe said in Argentina the team has been receiving the level of attention usually reserved for their adored football team.
"From all the messages we have received from the internet or from our family on the phone, we know in Argentina there is 'Pumamania' - they are crazy about the rugby," he said.
"I am told that even the taxi drivers, who know nothing about rugby, now say things like 'so how about the bonus-point today?'!"
