England’s totemic second row will complete the set of tier one opposition when he wins his 31st cap for his country in the heavyweight Pool C showdown.
For a second row forward whose trademark is physical confrontation a date with the Pumas is one he relishes.
That is more than can be said for the limited menu he was offered when he ventured out last week.
“We were looking for somewhere to eat and we walked into a restaurant that looked quite appetising. As we got in, the guy said: ‘Intestines, intestines’. I said: “Do you have anything else?” and he said: ‘No, just intestines’!”
Itoje rejected the offer but he will not be passing up the chance to take on Argentina’s meaty pack in the Japanese capital.
“I haven’t played Argentina before – it’s the last nation I’m to play – so I am looking forward to the opportunity,” he said.
“They have a strong forward pack, strong lineout, strong scrum, and very dynamic backs. They are very physical as well, It is the type of game I love playing and the type of game in which I look forward to getting out there.
“All I know is that it will be a very tough game. They are a strong, passionate team. They are a proud team. But so are we. We are massively looking forward to this game. It is a great challenge for us. It is a great opportunity. I think it is a game we will probably get our teeth stuck into.”
Argentina have made a big play this week of the brotherhood within their squad, the bulk of whom also turn out together for Super Rugby finalists, Jaguares.
England are more of a mosaic with their squad drawn from ten different clubs but Itoje says they are more of a team than ever before.
“I would say that as a group we are the tightest we have ever been,” he said. “This is definitely the period of time I am enjoying most being part of this group and being in the environment. The unity and culture we have is so strong.”
Where England do have the edge is in the number of power runners at their disposal.
“We play a collision sport and if you win the collisions then more often than not you will win the game. It is hugely important for us and I do think that has been an area of improvement,” said Itoje.
“With the (humid) conditions over the first couple of weeks it has been a bit slippery and more difficult to move the ball across the field than it normally is. When you have those type of conditions ball-carrying becomes even more important.”