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Argentina’s Francisco Merello is wary of the threat Fiji poses ahead of World Games. The two meet in Kaohsiung next weekend at the 2009 World Games with the South Americans a genuine contender for the title.

The Pumas must also face Hong Kong and Japan in the pool stages of the competition.

‘As is the case for all the Islanders the Fijians are very physical and are of course without doubt contenders but we are confident’, said Merello.

The Argentines picked up the bronze medal in 2005 in Daisburg but are a much improved side since then as their results show this season. This saw them crowned winners at the USA Sevens and finalists at the Rugby World Cup Sevens.

‘There is much expectation now on us’ added Merello speaking to the Argentine Rugby Union.

The team will be coached by Nicholas Fernandez Lobbe at the Games and is good chance for some youngsters to prove themselves in what is a fairly inexperience squad. The Pumas will be relying heavily on the likes of Merello, Nunez Lasalle, and Hernan Olivari to ignite their challenge.

The side also realise that an event like this can only help the clamour for introduction to the Olympics.
‘Sevens has all the qualities to be an Olympic sport. It seems to me that its inclusion is being promoted at the moment because it’s a great spectacle,’ added Merello.

‘It’s colorful, and as demonstrated on the World Circuit it fills out grounds with it’s atmosmphere’.

Argentina Squad for World Games - Facundo Barni, Nicolás Bruzzone, Dino Tomás Caceres, Ramiro José Del Busto, Santiago Gonzalez Iglesias, Francisco Grosse, Juan Imhoff, Francisco Jose Merello, Martín Miguel Nunez LaSalle, Hernan Olivari, Benjamin Urdapilleta, Facundo Vega.