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On the training ground and at the coffee machine, Wales’ older statesmen have picked some quintessential battlefields – and others less familiar – to test the mettle of their newer breed.
Today, however, two generations in Cardiff have one common goal: to prevent this autumn campaign from sliding further into disaster.
After a heavy defeat against New Zealand, peace has to wait. Fresh off the win over Twickenham, Argentina are looking forward to a second straight win in the Principality.
Louis Rees-Zammit (R) will play as fullback for Wales for the first time on Saturday
“It’s a top team,” said wing Alex Cuthbert. “We are very aware of their strengths. But for us it’s just making sure we’re better than last week.’
For this brutal challenge, Wayne Pivac has shuffled his pack in search of a better blend of youth and experience.
In the back row, Dan Lydiate is reunited with fellow warhorses Taulupe Faletau and Captain Justin Tipuric.
Teammate Alex Cuthbert has tipped Rees-Zammit to thrive in his new role against Argentina
In the back three, Cuthbert is returning from injury alongside 22-year-old Rio Dyer, who scored his goal last week, and Louis Rees-Zammit, who is making his first international appearance as a fullback.
“I’m going to have to tear up Zam and those guys quite a bit since I’m a lot older,” Cuthbert, 32, joked this week. ‘I ask them to bring me coffee. They clearly refuse.’
In the second row is Alun Wyn Jones in total of 23. The end? Not according to Pivac. But a change of scenery, for sure. For once, the player with the most limits in the world has been given the task of preparing his teammates. Jones didn’t make it easy for them.
“You wouldn’t expect anything less from Al. Whatever he does, he’s the ultra-professional,” Tipuric said. “I can’t say enough about what he does for me personally and for the team.” Today, however, they have to do without him against the physical and unchanged side of Michael Cheika.
Pivac has again suggested Wales will build to its best in the fall. Cuthbert also insisted that they are “always a team that gets better” throughout the season.
Wayne Pivac is looking for his Welsh side to bounce back from their heavy loss to New Zealand
But now would be a good time to get their act together. Another defeat, with Georgia and Australia on the way, and the people will fear the worst. For this series the Six Nations and the World Cup next year.
It is with one eye on next year’s showpiece that Pivac has chosen its team. And this week was the World Cup on Welsh lips.
There was talk about Rob Page’s roster for Qatar and who could pick England coach Gareth Southgate ahead of their crucial meeting with Wales. “The boys will be a huge encouragement to the football team,” Tipuric said.
Alun Wyn Jones has been left out of Wales’ 23-man squad for Saturday’s game in Cardiff
Then, at Thursday’s press conference, many ask if the Captain (33), Lydiate (34), Jones (37), Ken Owens (35), Cuthbert (32) and Co can all go to France next year. .
“I probably feel better physically and mentally than I have in many years,” Cuthbert said. “I feel like I’m getting better as a player. So hopefully now, with the young players coming through, I can keep my head up and deliver performances that reach my goal.”
The back three is an area where Wales is brimming with talent. With George North in the center and Liam Williams, Leigh Halfpenny and Josh Adams all missing, Cuthbert is the senior alongside Dyer (22) and Rees-Zammit (21).
Emiliano Boffelli will line up against Cuthbert after helping Argentina beat England last week
“It’s good to be surrounded by those guys. It reminds me of when I was young and came into the squad,” Cuthbert said. “They’re complete sponges… I try to feed them as much as I can, but I still get a lot from them.”
Despite all the power from Argentina up front, the battle of the back three could be crucial. Cuthbert will face Emiliano Boffelli, who kicked 20 points against England and scored a nice set-piece try. “Not missing much, huh?” said Cuthbert. “So we know discipline will be key.”
But with Rees-Zammit at fullback, Wales have a ‘deadly’ weapon of their own.
“You wouldn’t want to click on him too loosely, would you?” said Cuthbert.
“He’s worked incredibly hard over the past few years… we do a lot of extras together in training.”
Cuthbert added: “There is a big, big age difference between all of us, but we can help each other and we do.”