Pumas Prepare for November with Five New Faces

Los Pumas are preparing for November with five new faces. The South Americans are to play three test matches in Europe, facing England, Italy and Ireland.

The tour is to bring a close to what has been an extremely disappointing year for Argentina. Los Pumas have their backs against the wall. Back-to-back losses against England was followed by a win over Georgia in June. In the Rugby Championship Argentina lost all six matches and failed to collect any competition points.

The final round match against Australia in Mendoza confirmed that it was Argentina’s worst campaign in Rugby Championship history. Australia and South Africa were both dramatically improved from 2016 while Argentina stagnated. New Zealand’s performances underlined why the All Blacks are top of the world.

To prepare for England, Italy and Ireland Head Coach began his training today. The players were given two weeks rest following the Mendoza test match. The five added players are from the Argentina XV or Jaguares.

In the absence of Tomás Cubelli there is a vacancy at scrum-half. Martín Landajo started in Mendoza with Gonzalo Bertranou covering from the bench. Bertranou went from Mendoza to play in the Americas Pacific Challenge. Having played well he returns while there is also a place for Sebastián Cancelliere. He has been preferred to Felipe Ezcurra despite the later being a Jaguar.

Felipe Ezcurra’s brother Bautista Ezcurra has been selected. The mid-fielder remains uncapped but was a regular for Los Jaguares in the 2017 Super Rugby season.

Another called up with Super Rugby experience is Felipe Arregui. He is one of two uncapped props training in Buenos Aires. The other is Benjamín Espinal. He joins the roster from the Argentina XV, doing so after previously having played for Stade Français, the new home of Ramiro Herrera.

The final player included is Rodrigo Bruni. The No 8 joins on the back of an outstanding campaign in Uruguay. His year overall has been strong but in the Americas Pacific Challenge he was at his best.

In addition to regulars Cubelli and Herrera missing there is also no place of Manuel Montero. The winger recently ended his UAR contract, by choice, to return to play club rugby in Buenos Aires.