The tense win over Italy, which saw every Scottish point coming from Chris Paterson's boot, was definitely not pretty and only against Portugal and Romania did Scotland score tries.

In their other pool game a second string side was overrun 40-0 by New Zealand.

"As players we would like to have played a bit more rugby", Parks said.

"Against Portugal and Romania we showed glimpses of good play. Against New Zealand, I can't remember having the ball too many times in a good attacking position. It was all defensive in that second half."

Stifling rugby

Scotland would love to thrill their fans with exciting moves but might struggle against Argentina, who have a reputation for playing stifling rugby.

Parks knows this from experience, having played in the last meeting between the two sides, a 23-19 win by the Pumas at Murrayfield in 2005.

"It was a strange match," Parks recalled. "I was actually quite enjoying it and at the end of it I couldn't believe we'd lost. That's the type of team they are, never say die.

"Against them it's always going to be tight. It will probably be again on Sunday.

"Their game is about possession and territory. Once they get in that position on the field they stay there until they get some sort of points. They're a tough team to play."

If he plays in Sunday's match, Parks will come up against one of the most exciting flyhalves around in Juan Martin Hernandez.

"He seems to have all the skills", Parks said.

"He's very smooth, I find. The way he strikes the ball and plays the game is pretty awesome."