Argentina have made a diplomatic response after Wales boss Warren Gatland questioned the Pumas' unofficial status as world rugby's most revered scrummagers.

Gatland said he disagreed with those who rate Argentina's scrum as number one on the planet and claimed Wales would not be putting it "on a pedestal" ahead of Saturday's Millennium Stadium clash between the two sides.

"Everyone has their own opinion," said Pumas skipper Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe.

"We cannot worry what other people think or believe. We believe in our players, and we will do everything possible to take this team forward."

And Argentina coach Santiago Phelan added: "We have a lot of respect about the teams we play against. It is very important to have that respect.

"We believe in our scrum - it is very important in the game. We have experienced players there, and we will look to put pressure on, but it is one part of the game."

Phelan has made two changes from the side beaten 16-9 by England at Twickenham five days ago as Argentina target a fifth win in their last seven Tests against Wales.

London Irish scrum-half Alfredo Lalanne makes way for Agustin Figuerola, while Bristol lock Mariano Sambucetti replaces Esteban Lozada, partnering Patricio Albacete in the second row.

"Before coming on tour, we decided to play some players who perhaps did not have too much experience of international rugby," said Phelan.

"We are not changing players because of performance. It is about what we think is best for this game against Wales.

"We think Wales will be very tough opponents - they are an excellent team that plays a very dynamic game.

"We saw them play New Zealand and Samoa recently, and also in the Six Nations this year. They are a good team that has played together a lot."

Wales, despite scoring just one try in their last three home games, are likely to offer far more of an attacking threat than England managed.

Fernandez Lobbe fully expects Wales to test the Pumas' defence, but he has also sympathised with England's plight.

"I imagine Wales may counter-attack a little bit more," he said.

"Of what we have seen of them, they like to bring the ball back with their hands, and we have prepared ourselves to try to defend that.

"I believe England, at the moment, are under a lot of pressure from the whole country, so it is not easy for the players just to go out and play.

"What they needed (last Saturday) was to go out there and get a win. It is always very important to end up after the 80 minutes winning, and that is what they did.

"Wales will also want that, but they have been playing some good rugby for the last 18 months or so and have been together as a squad, so they feel maybe a little more confident.

"We need to be ready for whatever Wales throw at us, and we need to focus on them now. It's going to be a massive task, really difficult."