The Latin Americans are currently rated the fourth-best international team in world rugby and have more than justified their lofty position in the tournament so far by topping a pool which included hosts France and the homeward-bound Irish.

In contrast, Frank Hadden's Scots are ranked eighth and were forced to edge past Italy to claim second in a group dominated by the All Blacks.

If that were not enough to leave the Argentinians licking their lips at the prospect of Sunday's clash at the Stade de France, they have beaten Scotland in their last five meetings.

But Pichot has urged his men to forget past glories if they want to reach their first ever semi-final.

"I never take statistics or rankings, I don't like them and don't think they are true," he said.

"Even though we may come in ranked higher than Scotland, Scotland proved they are in the best eight teams.

"When the competition started, they were written off and so were we. They are in the same position as us.

"Argentina can't afford to go into a game thinking we are better than anyone. We have to play at a very high level for 80 minutes, especially against a team like Scotland."

Scotland, meanwhile, insisted they were in "strong and positive" mood on Monday as they began preparations for the clash with the Pumas.

Of all the possible last-eight scenarios, captain Jason White had declared his preference would be to face Argentina in Paris.

But Scotland have beaten Argentina just once in six meetings - and that was 17 years ago when Tony Stanger and Kenny Milne scored twice in each in a 49-3 win at Murrayfield.

"Everything steps up a gear now," said team manager Guy Richardson.

"We are getting into the sharp end of the competition and there is a quiet but very strong and positive feeling on this train at the moment.

"Everyone is quietly preparing. As we sit on the train, there is a bit of analysis going on. The players are on their laptops looking at the opposition at the moment.

"I recall playing Argentina in 2005 in an autumn Test match and it was a very good contest."

Argentina won it 23-19.

Richardson added: "The focus is really clear. That focus is next Sunday evening at 9pm."

Scotland received a timely boost on Monday when Rory Lamont was cleared of any serious injury after landing awkwardly on his neck in the decisive 18-16 win over the Azzurri.