Argentina select 10 Test rookies in squad for Boks and Wallabies clashes

Having failed to play any of the five uncapped members of his Nations Championship squad during July, Argentina head coach Felipe Contepomi looks certain to blood some new talent in the upcoming Test against South Africa and the two-match series against Australia. These matches fill the gap left in the calendar by The Rugby Championship not being played in 2026.

The Pumas take on world champions South Africa at the José Amalfitani Stadium in Buenos Aires on 8 August, before hosting the Wallabies in Jujuy, on 29 August, and Mendoza, on 5 September.

Ten Test rookies have been named in a 36-strong group, including four of the players were left on watching brief during the first phase of the Nations Championship, with two of the uncapped contingent – flanker Facundo Cardozo and centre Benjamín Ortiz – brought into the fold for ‘development’ purposes.

Franco Carrera, Agustín Fraga, Francisco Moreno, Leonel Oviedo, Juan Penoucos, Juan Martín Scelzo, Mateo Soler and Tobías Wade will all hope to see their first action in a senior Pumas jersey, with Contepomi no doubt keen to test his squad’s depth just over one year out from Rugby World Cup 2027.

Unavailabilities have in part forced his hand, notably captain Julián Montoya and fly-half Tomás Albornoz, who has been charged with misconduct by World Rugby following the Pumas’ bad-tempered 31-24 loss to England on 18 July. This gives four-times capped fly-half, Gerónimo Prisciantelli, an ideal chance to press forward his claims.

Head-to-Head

Last 5 Meetings

Wins

1

Draws

0

Wins

4

Average Points scored

21

39

First try wins

40%

Home team wins

60%

Meanwhile, Loose-head prop Rodrigo Martínez and veteran second-rower Tomás Lavanini make returns after lengthy absences. Martínez has never featured previously under Contepomi, while lock and 91-cap veteran Tomás Lavanini is set for his first Test outing since a 48-7 defeat by South Africa in September 2024.

Matías Moroni will become the seventh Puma to win 100 caps, and the third this year, if he plays in all three Tests. Guido Petti and Matías Alemanno became centurions in July.

“These three upcoming matches are very important for us. We’ll be hosting the two-time world champions and playing a series against the Wallabies, which always presents very challenging encounters. The goal is to have excellent preparation and be ready for these matches,” said Contepomi, on announcing his squad.

“Physical and mental health is crucial for us, and that’s why several players will be rested, allowing us to broaden the squad and work with new players. As we always emphasise, our goal is to prepare players to be successful with Los Pumas.

“I also wanted to express my gratitude for the support of the fans these past few weeks in Córdoba, San Juan, and Santiago del Estero. The next three matches will be our last in Argentina, and we are very happy to say goodbye in Vélez, Jujuy, and Mendoza.”

Argentina squad:

Forwards

Loose-head props: Rodrigo Martínez (3 caps), Mayco Vivas (42 caps), Boris Wenger (8 caps)
Hookers: Leonel Oviedo (uncapped), Ignacio Ruiz (30 caps)
Tight-head props: Pedro Delgado (11 caps), Francisco Moreno (uncapped), Tomás Rapetti (6 caps)
Locks: Franco Carrera (uncapped), Efraín Elías (3 caps), Tomás Lavanini (91 caps), Guido Petti (101 caps)
Flanker: Facundo Cardozo (uncapped)*, Benjamín Grondona (2 caps), Pablo Matera (124 caps), Juan Penoucos (uncapped)
No.8: Joaquin Moro (5 caps), Juan Martín Scelzo (uncapped)

Backs

Scrum-half: Simón Benítez Cruz (12 caps), Gonzalo Bertranou (68 caps), Agustín Moyano (9 caps)
Fly-half: Gerónimo Prisciantelli (4 caps), Nicolás Roger (3 caps)
Centre: Faustino Sánchez Valarolo (2 caps), Benjamín Ordiz (uncapped)*, Lucio Cinti (42 caps), Agustín Fraga (uncapped), Matías Moroni (97 caps)
Wing: Rodrigo Isgró (17 caps), Ignacio Mendy (5 caps), Santiago Pernas (1 cap)
Full-back: Santiago Carreras (67 caps), Mateo Soler (uncapped), Tobías Wade (uncapped)

*Invited player