Los Pumas head coach Felipe Contepomi has kept faith with much of his side from round one of the Rugby Championship, naming an almost identical matchday 23 for Saturday’s clash with the All Blacks in Buenos Aires.
Just two changes have been made to the squad, both aimed at injecting fresh energy into key positions. Juan Martín González has been promoted to the starting XV at openside flanker, with Marcos Kremer shifting to the bench to provide impact in the later stages. In the backline, Mateo Carreras returns on the left wing after sitting out last weekend’s Test, forcing Bautista Delguy across to the right flank and Rodrigo Isgró out of the matchday 23.
Carreras and González were standout performers in Argentina’s famous 2024 win over New Zealand, with Carreras crossing for a try and consistently troubling the Kiwi defence, while González registered a game-high five dominant tackles.
Contepomi will once again rely on his seasoned leaders, with Julián Montoya captaining the side from hooker and Juan Cruz Mallía and Pablo Matera serving as vice-captains.
Los Pumas Team vs New Zealand
Starters: Vivas, Montoya (c), Delgado, Molina, Rubiolo, Matera (vc), González, Oviedo, Garcia, Albornoz, Carreras, Chocobares, Cinti, Delguy, Mallía (vc)
Replacements: Ruiz, Tetaz Chaparro, Sclavi, Petti, Kremer, Benítez Cruz, S. Carreras, Piccardo
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