Argentina is rolling the dice this weekend, handing the flyhalf reins to rookie Gerónimo Prisciantelli for their Rugby Championship clash with South Africa at Twickenham on Saturday.
The Pumas may be out of the title race, but they’ll be desperate to bounce back after last week’s 67–30 drubbing in Durban. South Africa, meanwhile, only need a win to lock up back-to-back Rugby Championship crowns.
Coach Felipe Contepomi has swung the axe, making seven changes and two positional switches in a lineup shuffle. Santiago Carreras shifts from flyhalf back to his preferred spot at fullback, with Juan Cruz Mallía moving to the wing. Mateo Carreras drops out, while regular backup Tomas Albornoz is sidelined through injury.
That leaves the spotlight firmly on Prisciantelli, who has just seven test minutes to his name—coming off the bench against Australia a month ago. Normally a fullback for Zebre in Italy, he recently signed with French powerhouse Racing 92.
“Gero is a very brave and daring player—sometimes too brave,” Contepomi said. “He’s up against the best team in the world, but we believe in him. He understands what we’re trying to do, and this is the chance every player wants.”
The forwards have also had a shake-up, with Guido Petti and Pedro Rubiolo forming a new lock pairing, while Santiago Grondona returns at No. 8 for his first test since July. Simón Benítez Cruz starts at scrumhalf after Gonzalo García’s injury, with Justin Piccardo and Bautista Delguy drafted into the backline.
Only the front row remains unchanged, and the bench once again leans heavily on forwards in a 6–2 split.
South Africa named their squad earlier in the week, with prop Ox Nche the only new face in the starting XV.
Argentina Starting XV
15. Santiago Carreras; 14. Bautista Delguy; 13. Justo Piccardo; 12. Santiago Chocobares; 11. Juan Cruz Mallía; 10. Gerónimo Prisciantelli; 9. Simón Benítez Cruz; 8. Santiago Grondona; 7. Marcos Kremer; 6. Pablo Matera; 5. Pedro Rubiolo; 4. Guido Petti; 3. Joel Sclavi; 2. Julián Montoya (captain); 1. Mayco Vivas.
Reserves: Ignacio Ruiz, Boris Wenger, Francisco Coria Marchetti, Franco Molina, Juan González, Joaquín Oviedo, Agustín Moyano, Rodrigo Isgró.
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