FLY-HALF Rhys Patchell has praised the Wales pack for standing up to the powerful Pumas and wants a repeat of the defensive intensity to secure a series win in Santa Fe on Saturday.

The Scarlets playmaker kicked 10 points in the 23-10 win against Argentina in San Juan, while the 25-year-old was also physical in defence and varied his game nicely.

Tries by flanker James Davies and wing George North secured the spoils yet the fly-half was quick to point to the efforts of the tight five, who most had expected to struggle against hefty hosts.

"Against a very experienced international side and a team that's been together a long time with so many Jaguares players, the forwards stood up. They played really well and I'm really proud of the efforts of the boys," said Patchell.

"The forwards certainly went well in the first 20 minutes and when they do that, it makes things a lot easier for us as backs.

"Defensively we worked really, really hard and that was something we talked about during the week - we're delighted to come out with a good result.

"We've talked about working together, having pride in our defence, and making it something that's both critical to us and something we pride ourselves on.

"The forwards worked well and Hadleigh Parkes and Scott Williams led the line speed. I'd imagine Argentina are going to come with a big response next week.

"We played well as a team and I think Argentina were probably taken aback by the intensity our young pack showed. They stuck at it though and in the last 10 or 15 minutes it was a bit hairy for us.

"They had a lot of possession on our try line, but the boys dug in. As happy and proud as we are of the performance, there is still plenty to work on."

After beating South Africa in the tour opener, Wales are now hunting a summer clean sweep and a first series win in Argentina since 1999.

Gareth Anscombe got the 10 jersey against the Springboks but Patchell, who started the Six Nations clashes with Scotland and England, is hoping to get another crack at pulling the strings in Santa Fe (kick-off 8.40pm).

"The coaches will pick whoever they feel will do the best job for the team. On the whole I thought my performance was okay, but all I can concentrate on is being better next week than I was this," said Patchell.

"I need to work hard in training in the next few days and whatever happens, happens. All I want to do is reward the team and keep them moving forward as that's the role and responsibility that comes with playing No 9 and No 10.

"It was a great atmosphere, fantastic. We knew it would be white hot with the crowd right on top of us and they didn't disappoint, but that's why you play international rugby, to feature in front of such crowds and this was a good day."

Wales name their team at 4pm tomorrow (WED) with Warren Gatland promising to ring the changes again.

Meanwhile, the head coach hopes that Shaun Edwards stays in charge of his defence until next year's World Cup but won't stand in the rugby league icon's way if another tempting offer comes along.

"He's committed to us until the World Cup," said Gatland. "But if other opportunities come along, he needs to consider those because he's out of contract after the World Cup.

"There are two or three world-class defensive coaches out there and he's definitely one of them."

"Shaun's got three children, including two young kids, and this is his livelihood and he needs to make sure that he's got security for that," Gatland continued.

"That's how professional sport works. It's not a distraction for the players because they've come from environments where changes have been made.

"I've been consistent on that whether it's the players or coaching staff. Them and their families come first before the rugby."