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Five European-based players, two potential debutants named in Argentina squad to face All Blacks
By Online Editors
Five European-based players have been named in Mario Ledsema's 30-man Argentina squad to face the All Blacks in their Rugby Championship opener in Buenos Aires next weekend.
Toulon No. 8 Facundo Isa is included in the national set-up for the first time since early 2017 following his departure from the Jaguares for the Top 14 in France.
The 25-year-old isn't the only member of the squad who has returned after being exiled from the national side since leaving South America two years ago, with Exeter Chiefs wing Santiago Cordero named in the outside backs as he looks to earn his first test cap since October 2017.
Propping pair Juan Figallo of Saracens and Ramiro Herrera of Stade Francais are also included after featuring for the Pumas last year.
Their presence in the squad bolsters Argentina's strong front row stocks, with Jaguares quintet Augustin Creevy, Santiago Medrano, Julian Montoya, Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro and Mayco Vivas all featured.
The fifth offshore-based player is Herrera's Stade Francais teammate Nicolas Sanchez, who joins Joaquin Diaz Bonilla as the only two first-fives in the team.
Ledsema had previously named a sixth European-based player in his extended 46-man pre-World Cup squad, but Castres pivot Benjamin Urdapilleta has been excluded from the condensed squad due to injury.
The vast majority of the remainder of the side is composed of Jaguares players, including 53-test lock Matias Alemmano, who has been named despite missing most of the Super Rugby season.
Also included are uncapped duo Lucas Mensa and Manuel Montero.
The midfielder and winger have been playing for the Argentina XV in the Americas Rugby Championship, and are the only Argentine-based players in the squad who do not play for the Jaguares.
30-man Argentina squad to face All Blacks:
FORWARDS
Matías Alemanno, Agustín Creevy, Juan Figallo, Ramiro Herrera, Facundo Isa, Marcos Kremer, Tomás Lavanini, Juan Manuel Leguizamón, Tomás Lezana, Pablo Matera, Santiago Medrano, Julián Montoya, Javier Ortega Desio, Guido Petti, Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro, Mayco Vivas.
BACKS
Emiliano Boffelli, Sebastián Cancelliere, Santiago Cordero, Tomás Cubelli, Jerónimo de la Fuente, Joaquín Díaz Bonilla, Felipe Ezcurra, Lucas Mensa, Manuel Montero, Matías Moroni, Ramiro Moyano, Matías Orlando, Nicolás Sánchez, Joaquín Tuculet.
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Latest Comments
I think Italy were always targetting this match and intended to win. They needed to exorcise the 2023 RWC. I think they could have done with a bit more help from other 6Ns particularly from Ireland to knock more holes in NZ and their confidence.
Mentioned before the Italy Argentina match was a virus that ripped through the Italy camp early that week. In general play Italy were competitive albeit with a high error count and crucial missed tackles.
Ive said it before the era of NZ turning up unprepared for all comers and triumphing is definitively over. If a Tier1 team target NZ and NZ do not prepare accordingly they are in with a major chance of losing. It used to occur the odd time in RWCs against France, now it can occur v any Tier1. The competition has improved. NZ can still be at the top but their talents must be deployed sufficiently into dismantling teams as with their attack then allowed to exploit.
They dismantled Ireland pretty well in Dublin which went largely unnoticed. That allowed them scoreboard advantage and attacking opportunities of which one was enough.
That Italian team beat Wales and significantly Scotland last year. They used the loss to NZ in the most positive way possible. No doubt NZ prepared but I would assume it was similar to versus Argentina: 3/4 arsed at best. These test matches are rare and this was another chance to practice dismantling a determined and prepared opponent which was lost. If Italy had scored a 7 pointer at 17-6....an Italian win was on.
Go to commentsGB = England, Scotland, Wales. UK = England, Wales, Scotland, NI
Nothing to stew son.
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