MIKE Phillips says Wales must be far more clinical against Argentina tomorrow than they were in the “miserable” defeat to South Africa last weekend.

The Pumas are second up for Wales after their painful 24-15 defeat to the Springboks at the Millennium Stadium in their first autumn series international.

The hosts cut through the South African defence on several occasions only for promising attacks to come to nought as they were outscored 3-0 in tries.

Scrum-half Phillips is adamant Wales bounce back after such a bitterly disappointing performance in which their less than sharp backs let down the hard-working forwards.

“It is always miserable to lose a home game, particularly the first one (of the autumn),” he said. “We were very confident going into the game and we thought we’d do much better against South Africa, but they’re a very strong side and we just weren’t good enough on the day.”

Phillips, Wales’ most capped No 9 with 78 Tests to his name, added: “We must improve and prepare better for Argentina. We hope that, with a game under our belts, we will be a lot better.

“It was a very tough, physical game against South Africa – they’ve got a strong pack and it took a couple of days to get over it and the disappointment of losing. But we have to put it behind us now and concentrate on this weekend.”

The 31-year-old, currently unattached after leaving French club Bayonne under a cloud over allegations he came to a video analysis session under the influence of alcohol, believes the Pumas will be difficult opponents.

That’s despite a winless Rugby Championship and three heavy defeats against England to show for their efforts in 2013 and without a victory over a major side since they battered Wales 26-12 in Cardiff just over a year ago.

“Argentina will be tough to break down and they’re another physical team, particularly in the forwards and they have a good scrum and lineout, he said.

“We hope, after playing last week, we’ll be a lot better this week and we hope to be a lot sharper .

“We made one or two line breaks against South Africa but the support was a little bit slow in getting there. We hope we can create chances again tomorrow.”

And Phillips is delighted to be reunited with his old Ospreys partner Dan Biggar who returns at fly-half for his 19th cap in place of Rhys Priestland who does not feature at all this weekend.

“Dan played exceptionally well in the Six Nations last season and I’m pleased to play alongside him again,” the 2009 and 2013 British and Irish Lion said.

“I get on really well with him off the field and it’s great to have him back and it’s also a great chance for him to show his talent.”