Grondona: We will take it to England

SANTIAGO Grondona says Argentina are determined to lay down a marker when they host England for a two-Test series this summer.

- MARK STEVENS

Under the guidance of experienced head coach Felipe Contepomi, the Pumas have been steadily improving, including notable victories over Australia, New Zealand and South Africa in the last Rugby Championship.

Now, they see the impending clashes with England on July 6 in Buenos Aires and San Juan on July 12 as the perfect opportunity to showcase their enhanced progress on the international stage.

With a vociferous home crowd in the land next them, plus a talented squad hungry to prove their own development, Grondona insists he and his compatriots will be eager to make quite the statement against Steve Borthwick’s tourists.

“It’s always good to play against England, they are a great team, packed full of very good players,” said Grondona, right, who has seen first hand at club level with Bristol Bears the vast array of homegrown talent currently available to Borthwick.