But the Argentinian duo say they feel at home in the capital after forging a friendship with ACT Brumbies scrumhalf Tomas Cubelli as they set their sights on John I Dent Cup success.

The trio forms the Wests' South American connection with Cubelli also allocated to the Jamison-based club.

That means regular catch ups for Argentina-style barbecues and sipping on mate – a traditional South American tea.

"I've found some Argentinians here so it's good to catch up with them, have some barbecue and some mate ... it feels like we're back home," Cubelli grinned.

Chain and Pizzamiglio form a regular second-row combination that leaves opposition locks baffled when they revert to their native tongue on the field.

Pizzamiglio speaks limited English and relies on Chain to translate certain things for him during games and at training.

Pizzamiglio is also on the Brumbies radar and has been invited to train with the Super Rugby club, despite not being able to understand coach Stephen Larkham's instructions.

"Max was recommended to us that he might have a bit of something special," Larkham said.

"He's young, he's from the country [in Argentina] and his English is zero. But he's committed, keen and coming here for an opportunity.

"We've been a bit short on numbers and he has filled in quite nicely for the last couple of weeks. Tomas has been translating, but I think Max is starting to pick things up."

Pizzamiglio added via a Cubelli translation: "It's a bit complicated [not speaking English] but I have [Cubelli] at Brumbies and [Chain] at Wests, I'm lucky to have two Argentinians here."

Wests are searching for their first win of the season and face defending premier Royals at Phillip on Saturday.

In a strange twist for the capital's premier rugby division, Wests will have Chain and Pizzamiglio run out as their Argentinian representatives while Pedro Rolando fills the role for Royals.

Chain was playing in the amateur competition in Buenos Aires and lived close to Pizzamiglio, but the pair didn't know each other until they joined Wests.

"I had a friend at my club in Argentina who used to play for Wests and he told me that if I wanted to come out, they needed a second-rower," Chain said.

"I just came here to try some rugby and see what happen. I like the rugby here.

"Tomas used to play for the rival club of mine in Argentina ... but I didn't know either of them before I came here.

"Max might not speak much English, but he can understand it. Sometimes in the lineout we speak Spanish to each other and everyone looks at us like, 'what the hell are they talking about'."

JOHN I DENT CUP ROUND FOUR

Saturday: Royals v Wests at Phillip, Uni-Norths Owls v Tuggeranong Vikings at ANU North, Queanbeyan Whites v Gungahlin Eagles at Campese Field. All games at 3.05pm. Easts - bye.