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Rugby World Cup: Wallabies Assistant Plots Downfall Of His Home Nation

The Argentinian Helping The Wallabies Bring Down His Home Country
MENDOZA, ARGENTINA - JULY 25: Mario Ledesma assistant coach of Australian Wallabies during a match between Australia and Argentina as part of The Rugby Championship 2015 at Estadio Malvinas Argentinas on July 25, 2015 in Mendoza, Argentina. (Photo by Gabriel Rossi/Getty Images)
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MENDOZA, ARGENTINA - JULY 25: Mario Ledesma assistant coach of Australian Wallabies during a match between Australia and Argentina as part of The Rugby Championship 2015 at Estadio Malvinas Argentinas on July 25, 2015 in Mendoza, Argentina. (Photo by Gabriel Rossi/Getty Images)

What happens when a rugby legend, with a deep passion for the game, has to plot the downfall of the national team he once represented with pride?

Mario Ledesma played 84 Tests for the Pumas over 15 years but he is now the man who, credited for his role in the growth and continued success of the new-look Wallabies team at the Rugby World Cup, must be part of the planned destruction of his former team in the semi final – so there is no doubt the man dubbed ‘Super Mario’ will have his emotions tested on Sunday.

The coaching unit has been strengthened by high-profile former players Stephen Larkham, Nathan Gray and Ledesma all supporting Michael Cheika and the change in Australia’s scrum performance has been recognised as one of the key factors in the team’s success.

This weekend the Wallabies take on Argentina in the second semi-final and for one man in Australia’s squad, it will be hard day at the office.

Ledesma was the hooker in the Argentina line-up which lost to the All Blacks in the 2011 Rugby World Cup quarter-final -- so he knows the Pumas will be determined to go all the way having made the last four this time around.

Cheika however, is confident in his right-hand man and said Ledesma will obviously be emotional about the clash but he is focused and has a deep passion for this Wallabies team.

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