Argentina named an unchanged side for the World Cup semi-final against South Africa at the Stade de France on Monday.

Captain Agustin Pichot, first five Juan Martin Hernandez, centre Felipe Contepomi and fullback Ignacio Corleto have all got over minor ailments and will be fit to play.

Lucas Ostigilia retains his place on the blind side with Juan Manuel Leguizamon, who had began the tournament as first choice in the back row, starting on the bench again.

There was one change on the bench with centre Gonzalo Tiesi replacing utility back Hernan Senillosa, who came on in the second half of the 19-13 quarter-final victory over Scotland.

Coach Marcelo Loffreda said his team were not straight-jacketed into a single tactical ploy of strong defence and pinning the opposition in their own half with a kicking game.

"We give indications to the players and then they take decisions on the pitch," Loffreda told a news conference after naming his team.

Mental state

He said mental preparation was the key in the tournament and why Argentina had reached the semi-finals for the first time.

"This World Cup is where one's head plays a big part... Apart form the physical side, against South Africa it's fundamental," Loffreda said.

"How each team are feeling in their heads will be decisive and Argentina will go into the match in a very good state of mind.

"The mental state, for me, is what's going to settle the match.

Loffreda also said that it suited Argentina not to be favourites.

"We are usually underdogs, maybe in this position we are better off. We have to put our minds in a perfect state.

"This kind of adversity is the one we are most comfortable with."

Argentina will be looking to beat the Springboks for the first time having lost all 11 of their test matches since their initial meeting in Buenos Aires in 1993.

South Africa are looking to reach the final for the second time and claim back the title they won at home in 1995.

Get a different view on the Rugby World Cup with tvnz.co.nz: photos, stats, blogs, message board... and That Guy.