Argentina name experienced line-up for France encounter

Argentina head coach Mario Ledesma has confirmed the matchday 23 squad for the opening round of the Rugby World Cup against France to be played in Tokyo this weekend.

Only six players have retained their place from the last time the Pumas locked horns against the Springboks with Emiliano Boffelli returning at fullback. Juan Manuel Leguizamon missed out on the matchday squad which means he will have to wait on equalling Felipe Contepomi's record of 87 Tests which is the most appearance in the history of the game for Argentina.

Nicolas Sanchez returns at fly-half with Tomas Cubelli at scrum-half and Matias Moroni along with Ramiro Moyano on right and left wings respectively. Matias Orlando forms a centre partnership with Jeronimo de la Fuente with Javier Ortega Desio, Marcos Kremer and skipper Pablo Matera at backrow.

Guido Petti will feature on his 50th Test forming second row partnership with Tomas Lavanini and Juan Figallo, Agustin Creevy and Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro part of front-row.

Argentina starting XV: 15 Emiliano Boffelli, 14 Matias Moroni, 13 Matias Orlando, 12 Jeronimo de la Fuente, 11 Ramiro Moyano, 10 Nicolas Sanchez, 9 Tomas Cubelli, 8 Javier Ortega Desio, 7 Marcos Kremer, 6 Pablo Matera (c), 5 Tomas Lavanini, 4 Guido Petti, 3 Juan Figallo, 2 Agustin Creevy, 1 Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro

Reserves: 16 Julian Montoya, 17 Mayco Vivas, 18 Santiago Medrano, 19 Matias Alemanno, 20 Tomas Lezana, 21 Felipe Ezcurra, 22 Benjamin Urdapilleta, 23 Santiago Carreras