The Argentina captain and former Leinster fly-half will link up with his new club Stade Francais after the World Cup.

Contepomi is relishing the opportunity to line up opposite Wilkinson when the Pumas open their Rugby World Cup campaign against England in Dunedin.

“To play against him will be a huge honour – but we try to analyse England as a whole and not only as one player,” said Contepomi.

“It’s a great honour to have had the possibility to play with him, to train with him.

“He is one of these players that does not come around that often.

“Obviously I have a great respect for Jonny, for me one of the best players in the world – and a great man and that makes him even better.

“For me to be here in New Zealand, to be able to play a World Cup in one of the proudest rugby nations in the world, is a great honour.”

Argentina have played just one Test in the last 11 months – a defeat to Wales in Cardiff – and there is a danger they could be rusty.

But France under-estimated the in the opening game four years ago, when the highly-charged Pumas picked off their hosts on a dramatic night in Paris.

Argentina went on to finish third, giving the sport a vital shot in the arm and laying the foundations for their inclusion in a new Four Nations tournament with Australia, South Africa and New Zealand from next year.

“We have to play England in the first game, one of the favourites for the tournament, but it does not matter who is the opponent,” said Contepomi.

“It’s a huge occasion for anyone to play a World Cup. When it comes to a World Cup, Argentinian people are very proud of their team.

“Rugby has come a long way in popularity so lots of people will be watching. It’s great for our sport in our country.

“We want to go as far as in the last World Cup – or even further.”