Pivac’s team started their summer series with a convincing 68-12 win over Canada, but the Pumas – who Wales meet on the next two weekends – will be a much tougher nut to crack.
Rowlands – who will move to the Dragons from English side Wasps for the start of next season – is all too aware of the challenge to come.
“By and large it was a good performance against Canada,” he said.
“It was good to get an emphatic result to start off the summer series on the right foot to build towards the two weekends to come.
“Nobody is under any illusions that Argentina will be a very difficult challenge to Canada.
“They are a top-tier nation with a couple of great results recently in the Rugby Championship. It will be a very good test for us and we are very excited about going toe-to-toe with them.
“It’s definitely going to be a step up. First and foremost, physically because as a pack of forwards it was a cruise against Canada at times.
“Argentina are big, physical and always have a good scrum and maul.
“That’s the area I am focused on. If we get our basics right there and tear into them, then that will give us a good footing for the rest of the game.
“That physicality is going to be required in every single aspect of the game to give us go-forward in attack and defence.
“Canada was a perfect first game for us as a slightly different group. It was great as a warm-up, but I was always looking at these fixtures and was glad we are playing Argentina twice.
“These are the Tests I want to play in to challenge myself and also prove what I am capable of.”
Rowlands scores his first Test try in the 68-12 win over Canada
These are the Tests I want to play in to challenge myself and also prove what I am capable of
Rowlands, 29, won his eighth Wales cap against Canada and started at lock alongside 20-year-old Ben Carter who will be his Dragons team-mate next season.
Carter was named man of the match on debut in that game, but the honour could easily have gone to Rowlands who scored his first Test try before being replaced.
“It was great playing with Ben. He has a very mature head for a 20-year-old,” said Rowlands.
“He dealt with the occasion really well and played great, so I am looking forward to playing with him a few more times for Wales and the Dragons.
“He has done very well and is an example that when you get an opportunity in sport for whatever reason, then you just need to take it. Full credit to Ben, he did that at the weekend.
“He definitely doesn’t come across as a 20-year-old guy, he’s got a pretty mature head on him and is methodical and diligent. He has all the attributes to go pretty far in the game.
“Take some very experienced guys out of the equation and suddenly players like me who are less experienced internationals, move up the pecking order in terms of having a bit of influence and things to say. I’ve enjoyed it and it’s been good for me to challenge myself a bit more.
“It’s been a bit of a different experience.”
❝To make my childhood dream come true is an amazing feeling❞
Wales backs @tomrogers007 and @benthomas_77 react to winning their first cap ⑊ Un o Gaerfyrddin, un o Gaerdydd – dau chwaraewr talentog iawn.
🏴 #HWFN pic.twitter.com/b7DYSg7YRp
— Welsh Rugby Union 🏉 (@WelshRugbyUnion) July 6, 2021
As he looked ahead to becoming a Dragon for next season, Rowlands added: “Aside from having to come to Wales in order to continue playing for Wales, I definitely saw it as a positive.
“Trying to do those Six Nations campaigns when dragged between two places was pretty difficult, particularly when trying to call a line-out or establish yourself in the team.
“It’s a tough ask so I am excited about hopefully being here the whole time, getting picked to play for Wales, and playing well for the Dragons.
“It’s an exciting group at the Dragons and hopefully I can add a bit and play my part for the squad moving forward to get some results.
“If you want to play international rugby then you have to play well for your region or club.”
