Sebastian Cancelliere admits earning a return to the Argentina squad isn’t at the forefront of his mind and instead, the winger wants to help Glasgow win the URC.
He was a stand-out performer for Glasgow in his debut season last year but did not see that form rewarded with international recognition.
He played for an Argentina XV against Chile in a non-cap international last August, but missed out on the Rugby Championship and Rugby World Cup.
The former Jaguares winger, who made his Test debut in 2016, is competing with Edinburgh’s Emiliano Boffelli, plus Toulouse’s Juan Cruz Mallia, ex-Newcastle man Mateo Carreras and his brother Santiago, plus Saracens’ Lucio Cinti for a place in the side.
Asked about his international prospects, the 30-year-old said: “It’s always something that motivates you but nowadays I’m just thinking about Glasgow and focusing on trying to finish top of the league then hopefully make it all the way to the final and win.
“That’s our objective and my main objective. To be honest I’m not thinking much about Argentina right now.”
Felipe Contepomi, the former Pumas fly-half who played his club rugby for Leinster, replaced Michael Cheika as Argentina head coach after the World Cup.
But Cancelliere admitted there has been no contact from the national team.
While his interception try helped spark a terrific late comeback against the Bulls last weekend, Cancelliere revealed Glasgow’s style of play may not help his international ambitions either.
“To be honest they don’t like that defence too much,” Cancelliere said.
“They defend the other way around. I don’t think that particular aspect of the game Felipe [Contepomi] likes.
“Of course he likes us scoring tries but to be technical in that aspect of the defence he isn’t too keen.”
Whether it leads to further international honours or not, Cancelliere knows he must be right at the top of his game just to get into the Glasgow team, such is the club’s strength-in-depth in the back three.
He added: “I know I am competing with amazing players.
“I think that drives us on and makes all of us better in terms of competition and not taking anything for granted with any chance that you have.
"I know both Kyles [Steyn and Rowe] do the same, although Kyle Steyn is the captain. But the way he plays and fronts "I had this at Jaguares as well, competing with great players and it teaches you not to relax for any second. It’s better for all of us.”
The winger will hope his try-scoring exploits in Pretoria earn him another start when they face the Lions at Ellis Park in Johannesburg on Saturday.
Cancelliere is used to playing at the famous venue, having run out there during his time in Super Rugby.
“I did play there before and also in Loftus. Jaguares were in the same conference as the Lions and Bulls and all the South Africans so every year we played there, similar to the URC except we had games in Argentina and South Africa home and away every year.”
Those regular trips to South Africa have also given the winger a bit of familiarity of his surroundings this time, but he revealed he's quite happy not to be out and about seeing the sights.
He added: “I was counting that this is my 14th time in South Africa so I’m just relaxing and chilling [rather than sightseeing].
“Some of the boys play golf but I don’t. Some others are going to safaris and things like that which is really good, but I’m happy just to chill. But I’m enjoying it a lot, especially the sun.”
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