Argentina name experienced squad for Wales clash

Head coach Felipe Contepomi has named a seasoned Argentina squad for their opening Autumn Nations Series match against Wales national on Sunday at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium.

This marks the first meeting between the two teams since Argentina’s 29-17 victory over Wales in the 2023 Rugby World Cup quarter-finals. The Pumas will face a re-energised Wales side under new head coach Steve Tandy, who ended an 18-match losing streak earlier this year.

Contepomi highlighted both the legacy of past successes and the fresh challenge posed by Wales.

He said the stadium "evokes the memory" of their 2015 win over Ireland and stressed the importance of preparation and execution against a Welsh side building momentum.

Julian Montoya will lead the side and will be part of the front row along with Mayco Vivas and Pedro Delgado while Marcos Kremer and Guido Petti are the preferred locks.

Joaquin Oviedo, Juan Martin Gonzalez, and Pablo Matera comprise of the back row with Bautista Delguy and Mateo Carreras starting at right and left wings respectively and Santiago Carreras at fullback.

Argentina XV: 15 Santiago Carreras, 14 Bautista Delguy, 13 Justo Piccardo, 12 Santiago Chocobares, 11 Mateo Carreras, 10 Geronimo Prisciantelli, 9 Simon Cruz Benitez, 8 Joaquin Oviedo, 7 Juan Martin Gonzalez, 6 Pablo Matera (vice-captain), 5 Marcos Kremer, 4 Guido Petti, 3 Pedro Delgado, 2 Julián Montoya (captain), 1 Mayco Vivas.

Reserves: 16 Ignacio Ruiz, 17 Thomas Gallo, 18 Tomas Rapetti, 19 Matias Alemanno, 20 Santiago Grondona, 21 Agustin Moyano, 22 Juan Cruz Mallia, 23 Rodrigo Isgro