Match Preview – England vs Argentina

Fresh off a messy but deserved victory over Australia, England now play host to the Pumas, whom they visited and defeated twice in June with both sides fielding weakened teams.

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ENGLAND vs ARGENTINA
Saturday, November 9, 14:30 GMT, London

This time the two are at near full strength, with only some injuries preventing top players from taking part. Stuart Lancaster has made four changes to his start XV, one injury enforced. A whole new front row of Joe Marler, Dylan Hartley and David Wilson take aim at the Argentinean scrum, with Dan Cole and Tom Youngs swapped to the bench. Alex Corbisiero joins them replacing Mako Vunipola in the match day squad.

England might have had an exciting wing combination as well were it not for injuries to Marland Yarde (hip) and Christian Wade (hamstring). Both are hoped to be available in a week but in the meantime Ben Foden fills in on the left wing and Chris Ashton is retained on the right. Alex Goode is recalled to the bench, along with Geoff Parling, who takes the place of Dave Attwood after recovering from concussion.

Maximiliano Bustos has been nominated to take the place of injured Juan Figallo at tighthead prop for the Pumas, while Julio Farias Cabello moves to the blindside in place of Juan Fernandez Lobbe. Mariano Galarza is a surprise choice at lock ahead of Manuel Garizza, and Tomas Cubelli is preferred to Martin Landajo at scrumhalf. Lucas Gonzalez Amorosino will return to fullback after playing wing during the Rugby Championship, with uncapped understudy Santiago Cordero hopeful of making his debut off the bench.

England beat the Pumas handily at home, though both sides were well short of full strength in June. Argentina will be much tougher this time, but might not be firing on all cylinders after having to switch coaches so abruptly. Expect them to stay within one score until late in the match when the home side stretches it out to a 12 point win.

EDIT: A late change sees Danny Care replace Ben Youngs on the England bench.

Referee: Pascal Gauzere (FFR)
Assistants: Chris Pollock (NZRU) & Craig Joubert (SARU)
TMO: Gareth Simmonds (WRU)

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