And the 27-year-old is relishing the challenge ahead against the Pumas, who are renowned as being one of the most physical sides in world rugby.

"It's going to be a physical match. I like that. This match is perfect for me because they like it too," said Popham, who will start at No.8 for the first time since the Invesco Perpetual Series match against the Pacific Islands in 2006.

"Two years ago, we went on tour there and I was extremely sore the day after the game. They play a tight-style 10 man rugby, but the boys are looking forward to the challenge.

"We know they like to drive and play the physical game but they do possess some class backs out wide who are playing a high standard of rugby in France. They will come at us hard as you saw against Ireland in the summer."

Popham suffered minimal damage in the record 62-5 defeat against the Red Rose with a 10-minute replacement cameo but insists lessons have been learnt in the Wales camp.

"We have put the England game to bed and worked very hard at learning from it.

"Everyone in the squad was disappointed with the result and now the squad is finalised, it's time for us to start producing and getting results. It doesn't matter what type of game it is, I am just focussed on going out and doing the basics right," said Popham, who has won 25 caps for his country.

"But no one is satisfied with just being in the 30, you want to be in the 15 and 22 and there's a lot of competition between the boys who all want to impress Gareth and the coaches.

"You have to be on your toes and playing well, whether it is in training or in a match situation, because how you train will be how you play."

Popham is expecting a difficult match against the Pumas who are in fifth position in the world rankings, three places above Wales.

"Argentina have picked up some big scalps including a great win against England at Twickenham. It's just before a World Cup and they will want to impress.

"They have been trying to get into a leading competition whether it is the Six Nations or the Tri Nations for some time. We know they are a difficult team to play against, so we are expecting a tough match."

Saturday's encounter is just 22 days before Wales's Rugby World Cup opener against Canada in Nantes and Popham cannot wait for rugby's biggest competition to kick off.

"I just want the World Cup to start. We have had 10 weeks of hard training and I'm glad to get into the games.

"We know it's not too far away from the tournament now and it's all about us jelling as a squad and start producing. We can't blame anybody else, it's down to us on the field to get a result and it all starts on Saturday.

"This is what the last 18 months have been geared towards and it's nearly upon us."