Aussies prepare for Pumas pounding

Robbie Deans, the embattled coach of Australia, has beefed up his team in anticipation of a pounding from Argentina today.

The New Zealand-born coach made five changes to the team crushed 31-8 by South Africa last weekend – a third defeat in five southern hemisphere championship outings for the injury-stricken Wallabies.

Mike Harris replaces Berrick Barnes at fullback, Ben Tapuai comes in for Adam Ashley-Cooper at outside centre and Nick Cummins wins a first cap on the right wing with Dominic Shipperley relegated to the reserves.

Although last-placed Argentina were swamped 54-15 by champions New Zealand in La Plata last weekend, Deans is under no illusions about the threat posed by the South Americans as they seek a first Championship victory.

“We know the Pumas will come straight at us, hoping to profit at the collisions the same way the Springboks did last weekend,” he said.

“That issue has been addressed – internally in our discussions and also in our team selections – and we have gone for players best suited to a physical approach.”