It’s been a banner year for Argentinean rugby, one that will go down as arguably the most important in their evolution from also-rans to contenders in the professional era. With some tired legs coach Santiago Phelan has cast an eye to the future and named an expanded 40 man squad to take part in three tests this November.
FRESH FACES
Montpellier tighthead Maximiliano Bustos is hardly a new face in the squad having been selected for the World Cup, but is still yet to see his first cap. Expect him to get one soon.
Also at Montpellier is highly rated youngster Nahuel Lobo, who at only 21 is already a bull of a man and capable of playing either side of the scrum.
Juan Cruz Guillemain is a spring-heeled lineout forward signed by Stade Francais after impressing in this year’s IRB u20 tournament.
Speedy fullback Santiago Cordero, only 19 years old, is already a terror on the IRB 7s circuit and created one of the best tries of this year’s IRB u20 championship.
ONES TO WATCH
With Rodrigo Roncero’s retirement Marcos Ayerza of Leicester will begin to at last make the loosehead jersey his own. Don’t expect the Pumas to skip a beat here.
Eusebio Guinazu’s excellent form at hooker has seen him fight off Agustin Creevy and could secure him a Super Rugby contract for the coming season.
Openside tyro Tomas de la Vega had an excellent ARC and will surely catch the eyes of pro scouts if he gets his chance. He is an all-action dynamo and a quality lineout option as well.
Former Harlequins and Stade Francais centre Gonzalo Tiesi makes his return to the international scene after a bad knee injury suffered in the opening game of the World Cup.
Burgeoning talent Manuel Montero features a combination of power and pace rarely seen in a Pumas back. It’s only a matter of time before he emerges as a top class winger.
ON BORROWED TIME
Journeyman lock Esteban Lozada was preferred to impressive ARC youngsters Matias Alemanno and Cesar Fruttero in what seems a curious at best decision.
Former Brive scrumhalf Agustin Figuerola is now fourth string and could soon find himself on the outside looking in.
It looks like we’ll get to see Felipe Contepomi at least one more time in a Pumas jersey. Enjoy what are surely the last tests in the legend’s career.
An injury to top prospect Juan Ignacio Brex sees Rafael Carballo called in to cover the midfield. A solid enough competitor, but his best days are over.
NOTABLE ABSENTEES
Long-time loosehead prop Rodrigo Roncero has at last retired from test service after playing superbly in the Rugby Championship.
World class Toulouse second row Patricio Albacete is out after getting surgery on a fractured eye socket.
Goal kicking Stade Francais fullback Martin Rodriguez is still recovering from surgery following a shoulder dislocated suffered against New Zealand in Buenos Aires.
Biarritz duo Francisco Gomez and Marcelo Bosch will be unavailable for the first test as part of an agreement between their club and the coach Phelan.
FORM GUIDE
It’s been a record year for the Pumas, who already have 12 tests on the books following their first entry into the new Rugby Championship. Despite failing to record their elusive first victory there, they were competitive in every match and managed a draw against the Springboks in Mendoza. They also managed solid home victories against Italy and France in June.
09 June – 37-22 win vs Italy (San Juan)
16 June – 23-20 win vs France (Cordoba)
23 June – 10-49 loss vs France (Tucuman)
18 August – 6-27 loss vs South Africa (Cape Town)
25 August – 16-16 draw vs South Africa (Mendoza)
08 September – 5-21 loss vs New Zealand (Wellington)
15 September – 19-23 loss vs Australia (Gold Coast)
29 September – 15-54 loss vs New Zealand (Buenos Aires)
06 October – 19-25 loss vs Australia (Rosario)
THE BIG PICTURE
Even with an enlarged squad will be very confident of taking at least one major scalp as they face Wales, France and Ireland. Most of the players have trained together extensively over recent months and will in terms of preparation this will be among the best touring sides Argentina have ever fielded. Don’t be surprised to see an upset in Cardiff, and another victory in Dublin.
FIXTURES
10 November – Wales (Cardiff)
17 November – France (Villeneuve-d’Ascq)
24 November – Ireland (Dublin)
