Felipe Contepomi backs new playmakers for Pumas

Argentina coach Felipe Contepomi has named Simón Benítez Cruz and Gerónimo Prisciantelli as his starting halfbacks for Saturday’s Rugby Championship clash against South Africa at Twickenham.

Benítez Cruz makes just his second Test start at scrumhalf, while Racing 92’s Prisciantelli debuts at flyhalf.

To accommodate the changes, Santiago Carreras shifts from flyhalf to fullback. Clermont winger Bautista Delguy and Montpellier centre Justo Piccardo also come into the backline, with Argentina fielding a fresh-looking combination against the defending world champions.

In the pack, Pedro Rubiolo and Guido Petti form a new second-row partnership, while Santiago Grondona takes the No. 8 spot. These adjustments are part of seven overall changes to the side that lost heavily in Durban last weekend.

Contepomi said the new pairing had been part of the squad’s preparations all along.

“A nine and 10 left our camp but it’s not that we’ve recalled guys just for this week, they’re guys who have been training with us all the time. We feel they have good energy, they are up for the challenge, mentally and physically and technically they’re ready for it.”

The game is being staged at Twickenham in London, where Argentina expect noisy support despite the heavy South African presence.

Contepomi admitted: “It’s weird to call it a home game in London, but it’s one of the best stadiums in the world playing against the world champions.”

Argentina XV: 15 Santiago Carreras, 14 Bautista Delguy, 13 Justo Piccardo, 12 Santiago Chocobares, 11 Juan Cruz Mallia, 10 Geronimo Prisciantelli, 9 Simon Cruz Benitez, 8 Santiago Grondona, 7 Marcos Kremer, 6 Pablo Matera, 5 Pedro Rubiolo, 4 Guido Petti, 3 Joel Sclavi, 2 Julian Montoya (captain), 1 Mayco Vivas

Reserves: 16 Ignacio Ruiz, 17 Boris Wenger, 18 Francisco Coria Marchetti, 19 Franco Molina, 20 Juan Gonzalez, 21 Joaquín Oviedo, 22 Agustin Moyano, 23 Rodrigo Isgro