Argentina: Campese's verdict

Australia defeated the Pumas almost a year ago in a bad-tempered affair in Buenos Aires and Larkham is expecting a similar match.

"I think they're very competitive so they'll do whatever it takes to win," Larkham said.

"If that means playing dirty then I'm sure they'll resort to those tactics."

However, Larkham said his side would not respond to any unfair tactics in kind.

"Typically Argentina are a very physical side," he said.

I don't think we'll have many chances against Australia Argentina's Gonzalo Quesada

"They like to dominate through the forwards and do whatever they can do to psychologically get over their opposition so we're expecting another fiery game but we're certainly not going to take a backward step."

Wallabies forwards Jeremy Paul, Matt Cockbain and Toutai Kefu made accusations of unfair play, including eye-gouging, against the Pumas last year.

Argentine scrum-half Agustin Pichot responded by accusing the Wallabies of unfair tactics.

Pumas goal-kicking fly-half Gonzalo Quesada told reporters on Monday Argentina were a superior team to the Pumas side that reached the quarter-finals four years ago but were relying on Australia playing poorly to beat them.

"I don't think we'll have many chances against them but Australia may feel the pressure of being hosts and defending champions," he said.

"Maybe, just maybe, with a little luck that will count against them."

Australia and Argentina are in World Cup Pool A with Ireland, Romania and Namibia.