Argentina player ratings vs Wales | Nations Championship 2026

After an early scare, the Pumas slowly got back on their feet and came out on top in a physical contest, with Felipe Contepomi’s side clinching a 35-21 win, a third in a row against Wales.

In front of a packed Estadio Bicentenario, Joaquín Oviedo, Santiago Carreras, Gonzalo García, and Marcus Kremer produced fine outings, returning to form after last week’s disappointing defeat.

1. Boris Wenger – 8

In a match that barely had any scrums, Boris Wenger still found a way to make a minor impact, with the loosehead prop putting down ten Welsh ball carriers and wrestling his way through the middle of a ruck that would lead to a turnover and Argentina’s third finish.

2. Julián Montoya – 7.5

Heroic, battling his way through the game while contending with an open wound, Julián Montoya’s leadership tipped the scales when it mattered the most.

3. Tomás Rapetti – 7

One of Argentina’s main supporters, Rapetti, looked energetic and ready to help his team in any way he could. Good tussle with Rhys Carré at the scrum.

4. Guido Petti – 7.5

In his 100^th cap, Guido Petti was at his best, linking well more than a few passes to help the Pumas attain complete territorial dominance in the first half. His conditioning dropped a level after the break, but his tireless work was noted.

5.Matías Alemanno – 6.5

Brought great physicality to the fold but was forced to exit early following an injury.

6. Santiago Grondona – 7.5

Although Santiago Grondona had no direct impact on the scoreboard, the blindside flanker sniped more than a few Welsh carriers when they seemed on the brink of a line break. Top-level commitment to helping secure his team’s own rucks.

7. Marcus Kremer – 8.5

When he is at his best behaviour, there are few back-row operators as dominant as Marcus Kremer. Beyond the try he scored to put Argentina ahead, the physicality he imposed was decisive, forcing three Welsh handling errors, each of which helped Argentina regain momentum and keep the pressure on the visitors during key moments of the match.

8. Joaquín Oviedo – 9.5

Pumped physicality that could last for days, the intense No.8 broke free from several tackles, winning the gain line on more than 80% of his 20 carries. Bagged his side’s first and fifth finishes following a bludgeoning carry the Welsh were unable to contain, an image repeated throughout the 80 minutes. Looked unstoppable for most of the game.

9. Gonzalo García – 9

Outplayed his opposite number while masterfully marshalling his team toward the Welsh whitewash. Quick decision-making to assist Oviedo for the Pumas opening try, García was clinical in how the Pumas attained control of the game’s operations, tying well to his side’s attacking platform.

10. Tomás Albornoz – 8

Wales faced a tough challenge against Tomás Albornoz’s kicking game, as the Pumas fly-half kept throwing them off with cunning punts, which Santiago Carreras and Bautista Delguy chased down well. Perfect from the tee, nailing down five conversions.

11. Mateo Carreras – 8.5

Brilliant stuff from Mateo Carreras, with the winger tormenting the Welsh throughout the game. The Bayonne speedster delivered a stellar performance, registering three line breaks, 14 carries, 60 running metres, seven defenders beaten and four successful aerial takes.

12. Justo Piccardo – 8.5

Piccardo’s defensive work was instrumental, consistently denying the Welsh backline the space needed to establish their running lines. The Montpellier centre mixed staunch physicality and tactical awareness to limit the opposition’s chances of breaking the line and capped his well-rounded performance with a try and two successful jackals.

13. Lucio Cinti – 7

While he wasn’t as involved in the game as his centre partner, Cinti played a somewhat influential role in linking the Pumas’ backline moves, appearing at the right moments to supply his team with key passes. Made the assist for his side’s second try.

14. Bautista Delguy– 7.5

Stupendous aerial takedown to set Argentina’s second finish. Even though Mateo Carreras had more chances to make an impact, Delguy capitalised when he was needed, punishing the Welsh outside back in the aerial battle.

15. Santiago Carreras – 9

Spread fear into the Welsh hearts, unleashing a handful of monumental runs and plays that set things into motion. The Bath playmaker added a creative spark to Argentina’s attack – scoring his side’s first try – while remaining imperious under the high ball and resolute in defence, helping close off opportunities out wide for Wales.

REPLACEMENTS

The front-row replacements were less reliable, conceding more than a few penalties at scrum time. Franco Molina covered well for Matías Alemanno’s injury, adding top-notch physicality. While Gonzalo García was one of the match’s best performers, Simón Benítez Cruz came in at the right moment, injecting renewed dynamism into the Pumas defence and reading the Welsh attack well.