With the constant cacophony of aircraft departing as a backdrop, Scotland's touring squad to Argentina came through their first training session in Buenos Aires today without mishap.

The 30-man squad, preparing for Saturdays first Test against the Pumas in Rosario, trained at the GEBA club, next to the domestic airport and put in a sharp 90 minute session.

The club was a hive of activity as it was also to host a Pumas team . . . the Argentine womens hockey squad.

When the Scotland squad arrived yesterday even the passport control officials asked if revenge was on the players minds following Argentinas victory on the last occasion the teams had met - the Rugby World Cup quarter-final in Paris last autumn.

At a media conference for Argentine journalists today Scotland captain Mike Blair noted that Saturdays match would be their first home appearance since the World Cup, where the Pumas finished in third place.

He said: "Argentina will be very proud to be running out in front of their home support and I understand its likely to be a capacity crowd in excess of 40,000 at Rosario. We know that crowds here are more like football crowds. Theyre partisan and noisy and that can lead to an intimidating atmosphere so its important we start the game well."

Scotland coach Frank Hadden stressed that though there were similarities between Scotland and Argentina  both had personnel playing outside their own country  that it was a different rugby culture here.

Were very respectful of the status of Argentine rugby. Weve never beaten Argentina at under-19 and under-21 level and its vital for us when we play a side of the quality of Argentina that we do everything well, he explained.

Both Hadden and Blair have made previous rugby trips to Argentina, Blair with the Edinburgh Academy school side in 1996.

He recalled: Argentine rugby at that time was not that well known overseas but the quality of the rugby was better than wed expected. We played two tournaments plus four local school teams none of whom we beat.

Victory is the target this weekend, however, with IRB world ranking points a prize that Scotland yearn.

Scotland will train in Buenos Aires tomorrow (Tuesday) as preparations intensify ahead of Thursdays team announcement.

This article was posted on 3-Jun-2008, 15:02 by Hugh Barrow.