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Argentina make 7 changes to Springbok slayers with enforcer ruled out
By Josh Raisey
Argentina head coach Felipe Contepomi has made seven changes to the team that triumphed over South Africa last week for their rematch in the final round of The Rugby Championship on Saturday.
The Pumas go into the match with the mathematical possibility of winning the Championship, although that would require a bonus point win over the world champions at the Mbombela Stadium while also depriving them of any points whatsoever.
The task is that much harder for the visitors with enforcer Marcos Kremer ruled out with a knee injury. He will be replaced by Bristol Bears' Santiago Grondona in the No 7 jersey in one of three changes to the pack.
Imposing lock Tomas Lavanini has returned to the starting XV with Franco Molina dropping to the bench, while Juan Martin Gonzalez has swapped roles with Pablo Matera, with the former captain starting on the bench.
The four changes in the backline see three substitutes from last week - scrum-half Gonzalo Garcia, full-back Santiago Carrera and centre Matias Moroni - start in place of Gonzalo Bertanou, Lucio Cinti and Juan Cruz Mallia, with the latter two dropping to the bench.
The final change in the backline sees Harlequins signing Rodrigo Isgro start in place of Bautista Delguy.
Kremer's club ASM Clermont Auvergne shared an update on the flanker's health on Thursday. Their statement reads: "Back in Auvergne, Marcos Kremer underwent additional examinations which confirmed the sprain of the internal lateral ligament of his left knee. The Argentine back-row will be sidelined for a few weeks."
Argentina XV
15 Santiago Carreras
14 Rodrigo Isgro
13 Matais Moroni
12 Santiago Chocobares
11 Mateo Carreras
10 Tomas Albornoz
9 Gonzalo Garcia
1 Thomas Gallo
2 Julian Montoya
3 Joel Sclavi
4 Pedro Rubiolo
5 Tomás Lavanini
6 Juan Martín Gonzalez
7 Santiago Grondona
8 Joaquin Oviedo
Replacements
16 Ignacio Ruiz
17 Ignacio Calles
18 Pedro Delgado
19 Franco Molina
20 Pablo Matera
21 Lautaro Bazan Velez
22 Lucio Cinti
23 Juan Cruz Mallia
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Latest Comments
Thanks for a most interesting article, Brett. The build up to Lions tours is always fun, and these articles are great for discussion, and in my case education, as I don’t always get round to watching all the Super games fully.
For example I had not realised Hodgeman was 31, thought he was younger. So he is right in that age bracket where props down the ages often reach their peak. With his NZ background, he is a huge asset to have, first at Qld, second for the WB’s.
Daugunu, yes, and the time at the Rebels has seen his game refined, he is strong candidate. The player I would add to the list is Josh Canham. Not many mentioning him atm, but at 2.02 m and 116 kgs, and the way he is playing for the Reds, I would be looking at him as strong WB squad member. Uru I really like, as he brings a lot of flair with his game.
Good to hear you report that Schmidt is now not ruling Langi Gleeson out of Lions games contention. Wise move, as he is having now a very strong season, even outstanding. Good to see potential now being realised.
I would think Carlo Tizzano would also be one that Schmidt is looking at with interest. He has workrd hard to get to where he now is, and is having a very strong season. Sam Cane type player, a hard man. I guess he is a worthy successor to that great Force 7 of times past, Matt Hodgson.
Go to commentsIDK what your on about, a lot of people down here were very much tuned in on the All Blacks
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