Montoya to lead Argentina's revamped side against Lions

by Matthew Wood Wednesday 18 June 2025

Julian Montoya captains a rejuvenated Argentina squad

©Steve Haag

Argentina have unveiled a refreshed squad for their clash with the British & Irish Lions at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium on Friday, with seasoned hooker Julian Montoya taking the captain’s armband for the first time this tour.

Fresh from Leicester’s Premiership final, he will captain the front row, adding valuable composure and direction to the forward pack.

Centre Justo Piccardo earns his first start, while hooker Bautista Bernasconi, prop Boris Wenger, and scrum-half Simón Benítez Cruz make their Lions debuts from the bench.

Head coach Felipe Contepomi acknowledged the challenge of integrating new faces:

“It has been a challenge with a lot of new faces and just a few training sessions together. But the guys have made a lot of effort.”

Experience balances youth in the backs, with Tomás Albornoz and Gonzalo García paired at half-back.

Piccardo joins Lucio Cinti in midfield, offering fresh impetus, while Ignacio Mendy, Rodrigo Isgro, and Santiago Carreras form a blend of pace and creativity on the wings and at full-back.

Montoya is supported in the front row by Mayco Vivas and Joel Sclavi, with locks Franco Molina and Pedro Rubiolo adding physicality.

The back-row boasts an experienced trio: Pablo Matera, Juan Martín González, and Joaquín Oviedo, ensuring dynamism at the breakdown.

Contepomi emphasised more than just talent: he wants character and identity.

“We have focused on ourselves and what we want to instil in the group, we know the Lions will be a big challenge.”

Argentina XV: 1. Mayco Vivas, 2. Julian Montoya (captain), 3. Joel Sclavi, 4. Franco Molina, 5. Pedro Rubiolo, 6. Pablo Matera, 7. Juan MartÃn Gonzalez, 8. Joaquin Oviedo, 9. Gonzalo GarcÃa, 10. Tomas Albornoz, 11. Ignacio Mendy, 12. Justo Piccardo, 13. Lucio Cinti, 14. Rodrigo Isgro, 15. Santiago Carreras.

Reserves: 16. Bautista Bernasconi, 17. Boris Wenger, 18. Francisco Coria Marchetti, 19. Santiago Grondona, 20. JoaquÃn Moro, 21. Simon Benitez Cruz, 22. Matias Moroni, 23. Santiago Cordero.