Hook wary of Contepomi threat

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Rising star Hook, still relatively new to the international stage, comes up against one of its most experienced campaigners at the Millennium Stadium in Wales' penultimate World Cup warm-up match.

"They rely on Contepomi at 10," said Hook. "He's a great player and if we can keep him under wraps a bit, we'll be all right. He's really important to Argentina."

However, Hook warned Wales' forwards must match the renowned muscle of their opponents.

He said: "If things are going well for them up front, they won't need to use the good players they have behind the scrum."

Argentina are being tipped as dark horses in next month's World Cup in France having recently risen to fifth in the International Rugby Board rankings.

Hook, whose side are eighth, feels the visitors have every right to consider themselves among the game's leading nations.

The Pumas jumped one place as Ireland slipped into sixth following their 31-21 defeat to Scotland last weekend, leaving Leicester-bound Loffreda's side behind regular top dogs New Zealand, Australia, France and South Africa.

Hook said: "Argentina's place in the rankings is deserved. As players, we know they are a very competitive team.

"They have a great pack and some great individuals in their backline. They deserve to be where they are and it's going to be a tough game on Saturday."