LONDON, 24 Oct – The Pumas will make sporting history for Argentina and for the globalisation of rugby if they can find a way past twice-winners Australia in their semi-final at Twickenham on Sunday.
While Argentina have won soccer’s World Cup twice, they have never reached the final of a Rugby World Cup, losing to South Africa in their only other appearance in a semi-final in 2007 in France.
Even with a presidential election dominating life at home, a victory would make waves for rugby in soccer-mad Argentina.
One of the key developments of Rugby World Cup 2015 has also been the improved performances of the emerging nations. The gulf between rugby's superpowers and the rest of the world seems to be narrowing.

CONFIDENT CAMP

An Argentina defeat of the Wallabies would take that trend to another level, proving that the inclusion of the Pumas in the Rugby Championship alongside RWC winners South Africa, Australia and New Zealand since 2012 has had a significant impact in raising standards.
There is a confidence in the Argentine camp that they are capable of pulling off what would be a rare victory over the Wallabies.
"We have arrived in a better way because of four years playing in the Rugby Championship - not only for our game but mentally, too,” Argentina coach Daniel Hourcade said. "Four years in the Rugby Championship has given us strong preparation.
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"My team has the skill to cause damage to any team. If we are in good form, we can score points against any team."
Argentina have beaten the Wallabies only once in their 11 encounters this century, a 21-17 victory in 2014 in Mendoza – their first victory in the Rugby Championship.
They have played some attacking rugby in this competition and have been boosted by the return after suspension of their centre Marcelo Bosch, who plays a key role in defence. Bosch, who replaces Matías Moroni, is the only change to the squad of 23 that beat Ireland 43-20 last weekend.

RETURN FROM INJURY

Australia are attempting to reach the final for the fourth time. They won the trophy in 1991 and 1999, but were beaten by England in the 2003 final, the only time a northern hemisphere nation has won the RWC.
The Wallabies, who needed a last-minute penalty to beat Scotland in the quarter-finals, welcome back number eight David Pocock and full-back Israel Folau (main picture) to their line-up after injury.
Coach Michael Cheika will send out the most experienced Wallaby starting line-up to play in a World Cup match, with a combined 876 caps.
Cheika insisted past form will mean nothing against Argentina.
"I know that all the teams in the Rugby Championship are high quality and on any given day, any team can beat the other," he said on Saturday.
"It is a real tough competition and tomorrow is going to be the same. Past form isn't relevant. It is what the teams bring over 80 minutes tomorrow.
"I have known Argentina's players very closely for many years.
"They made the semi-finals in 2007. They are very strong and passionate about what they are doing. They have just transformed the way they have played. They have always had a steely approach