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Pablo Matera returns from ban as Argentina change 3 for Ireland
By Josh Raisey
Argentina’s 107-cap flanker Pablo Matera has returned to their starting line-up to face Ireland on Friday at the Aviva Stadium after serving a two-week ban.
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The 31-year-old missed last week’s 18-50 triumph over Italy in Udine after receiving a red card in the Pumas’ final match of The Rugby Championship against South Africa.
The former captain is one of three changes to Felipe Contepomi’s side, who will take on an Ireland outfit fresh from a 13-23 loss to the All Blacks at home.
Another veteran, lock Guido Petti, has returned to the starting XV to partner Pedro Rubiolo in the second-row, with Exeter Chiefs’ latest signing Franco Molina dropping to the bench.
There is one change in the back line with Matias Moroni moving up from the bench last week to start at inside centre, with Matias Orlando out of the squad completely. Pampas’ 22-year-old centre Justo Piccardo has been named as a replacement in what could be his first appearance for the Pumas.
Argentina XV
1. Thomas Gallo (33 caps)
2. Julián Montoya (103 caps) captain
3. Joel Sclavi (25 caps)
4. Guido Petti (85 caps)
5. Pedro Rubiolo (18 caps)
6. Pablo Matera (107 caps) vice-captain
7. Juan Martín González (38 caps)
8. Joaquín Oviedo (11 caps)
9. Gonzalo Bertranou (66 caps)
10. Tomás Albornoz (15 caps)
11. Bautista Delguy (31 caps)
12. Matías Moroni (87 caps)
13. Lucio Cinti (30 caps)
14. Rodrigo Isgró (5 caps)
15. Juan Cruz Mallía (40 caps) vice-captain
Replacements
16. Ignacio Ruiz (16 caps)
17. Ignacio Calles (6 caps)
18. Francisco Gómez Kodela (39 caps)
19. Franco Molina (10 caps)
20. Santiago Grondona (19 caps)
21. Gonzalo García (9 caps)
22. Santiago Carreras (51 caps)
23. Justo Piccardo (uncapped)
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