New nine: Martin Landajo
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Argentina coach Santiago Phelan has made two changes to his starting line-up for Saturday's Rugby Championship clash against Australia.
Both are in the Pumas' backline, with scrum-half Nicolas Vergallo and full-back Martin Rodriguez dropped and replaced by Martin Landajo and Lucas Gonzalez Amorosino respectively.
It means the visitors will once again use the same forward pack that strongly tested New Zealand before going down 21-5 last weekend.
Lock and vice-captain Patricio Albacete has been named to play his 50th Test, lining up against Nathan Sharpe who will captain Australia in one of his final appearances.
While winless in the championship to date, the Pumas have made both of their opponents uncomfortable, making most of the running in a 16-16 draw with South Africa at Mendoza last month.
They then gave the All Blacks a scare for much of last weekend's Test in Wellington, with the score locked at 6-5 at half-time.
Argentina: 15 Lucas Gonzalez Amorosino, 14 Gonzalo Camacho, 13 Marcelo Bosch, 12 Santiago Fernandez, 11 Horacio Agulla, 10 Juan Martin Hernandez, 9 Martin Landajo, 8 Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe (c), 7 Juan Manuel Leguizamon,6 Julio Faras Cabello, 5 Patricio Albacete,4 Manuel Carizza, 3 Juan Figallo, 2 Eusebio Guinazu, 1 Rodrigo Roncero.
Replacements: 16 Agustin Creevy, 17 Juan Pablo Orlandi, 18 Leonardo Senatore, 19 Toms Leonardi, 20 Nicolas Vergallo, 21 Martin Rodriguez, 22 Juan Imhoff.
Date: Saturday, 15 September
Venue: Skilled Park, Gold Coast
Kick-off: 20:00 (10:00 GMT)
Referee: Wayne Barnes (England)
Assistant referees: Nigel Owens (Wales), Glen Jackson (New Zealand)
TMO: Matt Goddard (Australia)
Comments
MarcosGGuti says...
@Lucasrg
What I love about Vegallo is that he is my height (yes, I'm short haha) so he's like an illustration and example that anyone can play rugby. Even though I don't play scrum-half but still, haha
In relation to Alberto Vernet Basualdo, if I'm not mistaken, retired from professional rugby last year when his contract with Toulouse expired. He thought of playing for his former amateur club, Asociacion Alumni, but he preferred to leave rugby for good. One of the reasons was that he had to start thinking about his future working career. He also said that to resume his working career being 29 years old (age he was last year), wasn't the same as resuming being 32. He said this because he didn't think he could play for more than 2 or 3 years. I really liked him, too. A real shame.
Posted 11:56 13th September 2012
PREEST says...
The Pumas could win this one, especially if they can unsettle Quade Cooper. I think the Pumas forward pack will have the edge on the Wallabies forwards, so if they can effectively shut down Cooper from igniting the back line then they are well in with a chance. They could well win this one, but I think their best chance is against the Wallabies at home in Argentina.
Posted 08:46 13th September 2012
Kawasakifreak says...
Australia to win but I hope Argentina win one game at home this year or next.
Posted 08:17 13th September 2012
Lucasrg says...
Vergallo did impress me so far, small guy but wow, what a warrior. he really loves to get into contacts! nice brave runs and surpisengly good in defence for his size...this is great to incourage youg generations that indeed rugby is for all sizes!
Porbably he needs some rest.
One thing: what happend to Basualdo the hooker?! I was really impressed by him 2 world cups ago? is he injured/retired?
Anyway, they should replace the obelisk at Avenida 5 de Mayo and erect a Roncero's statue instead! what a legend! fenomeno!
Posted 21:54 12th September 2012
MarcosGGuti says...
I meant "these", not "this" ...kind of matches. And my last comment is, I don't understand how one of the players who has had a hell of a season with Racing Metro in the French TOP 14, Juan Imhoff, is not on the Starting XV, and only in the 4th game has made it to the bench. Looking forward to seeing him at least 30 minutes.
Posted 10:45 12th September 2012
MarcosGGuti says...
@georgesmith I personally prefer Vergallo for this kind of matches. He's great in defence, and not so bad in the distribution. Landajo, in the other hand, gives more dynamism to the team's game, but is not so strong in defense. I hope Landajo has a great game next weekend though, since I like his playing style and he will be defending our nation's colours.
Posted 10:40 12th September 2012
MarcosGGuti says...
@cuw3100 Yes. The Forsyth Barr Stadium (Or "Otago Stadium") in Dunedin, NZ, was used during RWC 2011 and will be used for next weekend's match between AB's and Boks.
Posted 10:37 12th September 2012
cuw3100 says...
Weather conditions will play a major role in the outcome. The Argies have big guys who are not that quick compared to NZ / OZ. Wet conditions last week evened out the packs, but on a good dry field OZ pack will be too quick and the backs will move swiftly. In the NZ match the enforced delay helped as the weather improved and MIB took control.
can RU be played inside a closed stadium ??? just wondering :)
Posted 08:44 12th September 2012
georgesmith says...
S. Phelan has my respect. Both N. Vergallo and M.Rodriguez did not offer 100 per cent last week. It takes a bold coach to wield the axe on under-performing players. M. Rodriguez's poor kicking put the Pumas a great disadvantage and so he has to pay the price for not performing. Pumas need to target N. Sharpe, D. Dennis and K. Douglas. They are the major weak links in the team.
Posted 23:51 11th September 2012
PAMPA says...
UBA05
El problema es que Roncero ya esta grande para jugar todo el partido y prefieren guardarlo para que juegue, al menos, un tiempo a full todos los partidos del RC sin que se lastime..hasta que aparezca un pilar izquierdo con el nivel del querido Rodo...le tenia fe a Ayerza, pero no lo veo ni con la mitad de garra que necesita para ganarse el puesto...fijate que Guiņazu si le gano el puesto a Crevi.....
Posted 15:18 11th September 2012
UBA05 says...
As long as Rodrigo Roncero is playing then its all good. Now dammit Phelan keep him on the field for the full 80.
Wannabies going down big time.
Posted 13:34 11th September 2012
Houston_11 says...
I think Australia will win as well - but to agree with the previous comment, only just. It will be interesting to see how they perform in Argentina - that will be the real test.
If Argentina perform like they did in the first half last week, and for the full 80 minutes, expect fireworks.
Posted 13:23 11th September 2012
melkdave says...
I look at this pumas team and think,the wallabies are going to be really tested,We know the pack is very good ,ad theyare competing well at the breakdown,better than the wallabies imo,so good ball should be there for them.Then you look at the backline ,and see alot of pace there,Its going to be a real close game imho,and only a 3-5 point margin i feel to the winners.As to the winners a very close call ,but as its at home and they fronted up last weekend ,ging for Australia by a whisker,but only if they step up ect.
Posted 11:13 11th September 2012