Lydiate: Familiar face

Lydiate made his Test debut against the Pumas 21 months ago, going on as a second-half substitute during Wales' 33-16 success.

And the Newport Gwent Dragons forward must now play his part in aiming to continue Welsh momentum generated by last weekend's punishing victory over England.

The 23-year-old blindside is a certainty to be named in Wales coach Warren Gatland's World Cup squad on Monday.

And he will board the flight to New Zealand later this month as one of only five Wales players who have started all three August preparation Tests, joining wing George North, centre Jamie Roberts, prop Paul James and lock Alun-Wyn Jones.

"I would like to play every game," said Lydiate.

"I had 10 minutes against Argentina the first time I played for Wales, so I am really looking forward to Saturday.

"They are very direct, their centres, and (fly-half) Felipe Contepomi is a class act. He's a dangerman, so we have to keep him quiet as best we can because he will run the show for them.

"Their back-row is full of big and powerful men, so we have got to be able to match them.

"There are similarities between England and Argentina when it comes to size. They are all very big, powerful men.

"It's hard to say whether they are more athletic than the English back-row but, if they have more footwork, they are going to be a lot harder to stop than players just running straight, playing one-up rugby."

With Sam Warburton, Wales' World Cup captain-in-waiting, rested from the Millennium Stadium encounter, Lydiate packs down alongside 98 times-capped Martyn Williams and number eight Andy Powell.

Williams and Powell are both possibly on the fringe of World Cup selection, given Lydiate, Warburton, Ryan Jones and Toby Faletau look set to claim four from an anticipated six back-row places.

That seemingly leaves the likes of Williams, Powell, Justin Tipuric, Josh Turnbull and Gareth Delve contesting two remaining spots.

"I am really looking forward to playing with Martyn," added Lydiate.

"He is a legend, so I am excited about this chance. I have only played alongside him once before, so it will be brilliant for me and it would be nice to, hopefully, get a win.

"It's going to be a physical encounter. Argentina are renowned for having a good set-piece, and it will be tough, especially up-front.

"We are definitely going to be making multiple tackles. We have to make sure our defence is almost better than last week against England.

"We have to make sure everyone is putting their bodies on the line. It's going to be brutal."