Rugby World Cup daily: Argentina young guns can mow down Aussies on way to becoming world champions

THE BIG STORY

Les Cusworth is a Yorkshireman and a former fly-half who played for Leicester and England in the 1980s, but his contribution to the sport may yet be remembered for what he did as a coach outside his home country. It may even be that Cusworth is recalled as the man who began Argentina's journey to become world champions.

Cusworth was Argentina's high performance manager between 2006 and 2013 where he helped to establish rugby academies across the South American country for youngsters to learn the sport and develop their technique.

The result is a coltish Puma side who will contest their second World Cup semi-final in eight years against Australia at Twickenham on Sunday. They lost to 37-13 to South Africa at this stage in 2007, but Cusworth feels they are much better prepared to cope with the Wallabies this time.

There are not many teams better than Argentina in the contact area," said Cusworth. "Once they get their dander up they are very difficult to beat. I seriously believe they can go all the way.

“The Argentinians are naturally very gifted sportspeople,” added Cusworth in an interview with the Telegraph. “They are so combative, and they had a competitive edge that I found incredible. They always surprise you with their sheer desire. (Argentina coach Daniel) Hourcade has been responsible for their new style of play as much as anybody.

“Their involvement in the Rugby Championship forced them to move away from their old way of playing. Even in 2007, they were not as geared up as they are now.

“Eighty per cent of them will be available for the next World Cup in 2019. That is a frightening statistic. Props who are that young tend to be exposed at this high level, but such is the standard of their play that they have not been shown up at all.”

“We recognised that the New Zealand methodology was the best in rugby, and ever since Argentina have done a lot of work on improving their athletic performance and core stability. They have even trained in Pensacola, Florida, where many of the American footballers are based. The physique of Argentine players has changed.”

THE FINAL FOUR: LATEST WORLD CUP ODDS

New Zealand 8/13

Australia 31/10

South Africa 8/1

Argentina 16-1

THE SIN BIN - BACK TO THE FUTURE DAY JOINS ICE BUCKET CHALLENGE

All references to Back To The Future. Rugby World Cup gives us their version below. Let us just sin bin Back To The Future Day, a moment in time that will be remembered in future, no pun intended, as fondly as irritating celebrities performing the Ice Bucket Challenge. Does anybody know who did the final Ice Bucket Challenge? Who would have thought a film that went on general release 30 years ago would cause such a stir on October 21, 2015 because of a scene in the second film in 1989.

We know it well from Back to the Future II where Marty McFly picks up a sports almanac in the future (2015) with plans to take it back to 1985 with every sports result in it between 1950 and 2000. Wonder if Argentina winning the World Cup in 2015 was in there? Or did anyone predict much-maligned referee Craig Joubert moving quicker on his feet out of Twickers than your average hoverboard?

THE BUZZ

Which version of the Haka will the All Blacks wheel out against South Africa in the semi-final on Saturday? There are various versions of the legendary battle cry, and historic ways in which the opposing team can 'receive it'. Stand, smile, walk towards it? Nobody has yet turned their back on it. That would add a bit of spice to the contest, but may be deemed unsporting. Still, would be fun.

We knew which one they won't be using. Cue Matt Dawson. And. 'The Hakarena'.

And one more time. Brian 'Pitbull' Moore's reaction. Priceless.

PICTURE OF THE DAY

Japan's heroic rugby team receive a rousing reception from the country's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. They throw him a ball to say thanks. Japan hosts the tournament in 2019.