Argentina’s rugby union team has introduced several key personnel adjustments ahead of the second Test match against Australia in Mendoza. The move comes as the South American side seeks to even the series after the opening encounter.
Santiago Carreras returns to the fullback position, a role he previously held before starting at fly-half in the first Test. Nicolás Roger takes over the number 10 jersey, while the wingers have been swapped, with Rodrigo Isgró and Ignacio Mendy exchanging positions. Pablo Matera has been appointed captain for the fixture.
In the forward pack, Guido Petti shifts from lock to blindside flanker. He is joined in the second row by a new partnership of EfraÃn ElÃas and Franco Molina. Pedro Delgado makes a return to the tighthead prop spot, while Tomás Lavanini has been moved to the bench.
The confirmed starting lineup for Argentina includes Santiago Carreras at fullback, supported by wingers Rodrigo Isgró and Ignacio Mendy, and centers Lucio Cinti and Faustino Sánchez Valarolo. The backline features Nicolás Roger at fly-half and Simón BenÃtez Cruz at scrum-half. The forwards are led by captain Pablo Matera, with Boris Wenger, Ignacio Ruiz, Pedro Delgado, EfraÃn ElÃas, Franco Molina, Guido Petti, and JoaquÃn Moro in the pack.
The replacement bench consists of Leonel Oviedo, Mayco Vivas, Francisco Moreno, Tomás Lavanini, Juan MartÃn Scelzo, Facundo Cardozo, Gonzalo Bertranou, and Mateo Soler.
Patera captaincy is a bold move. Does this signal a new era for Los Leones?
Carreras at fullback again! That is the right call. The series is levelled.
I’m skeptical about the forward pack reshuffle. Can they handle the Australian forwards on the turf?
Mendoza next week promises intense atmosphere. Petti at blindside flanker looks risky but exciting.