Pumas 7s compete in Bordeaux Seven, aiming to improve standings

The Argentine Pumas 7s are vying for top honors at the Seven of Bordeaux, the second event of the 2026 SVNS World Championship, held this weekend in France. The team currently holds a strong second position in the overall standings, trailing only South Africa, and is determined to climb higher.

Competing in Group B, the Pumas 7s faced a challenging lineup including New Zealand, France, and Germany. They secured a decisive 35-19 victory against Germany in their opening match, demonstrating their championship aspirations. However, they later fell to France with a 22-14 scoreline. Their final group stage match is scheduled against New Zealand.

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We are surprised. I saw the players on the bus and it wasn't like they had already arrived. They were calculating with South Africa, seeing if they could finish fourth, if we could catch them sooner to take them out. They are very excited.

Marcos Moneta emerged as a standout player in the win against Germany, showcasing his crucial role in the team's performance. The squad for Bordeaux includes captain Santiago Álvarez, Martiniano Arrieta, Juan Patricio Batac, Pedro De Haro, Sebastián Dubuc, Mateo Fossati, Luciano González, Matteo Graziano, Marcos Moneta, Eliseo Morales, Gregorio Pérez Pardo, Timoteo Silva, Santiago Vera Feld, and Santino Zángara. Notable absences include Joaquín Pellandini (shoulder injury) and Santiago Mare (foot discomfort). This tournament also marks the debut for Fossati and Silva.

Head coach Santiago Gómez Cora expressed surprise and enthusiasm regarding the team's unexpected success. "We are surprised. I saw the players on the bus and it wasn't like they had already arrived. They were calculating with South Africa, seeing if they could finish fourth, if we could catch them sooner to take them out. They are very excited," he told ESPN. Gómez Cora noted that the team's goal for the year was transitional, focusing on developing new talent. "The idea this year was a year of transition, of giving tools and more minutes to those coming off the bench. We ended up in a place above expectations, which is welcome. That speaks a bit to the fact that the more experienced players raised the bar," he added.

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The idea this year was a year of transition, of giving tools and more minutes to those coming off the bench. We ended up in a place above expectations, which is welcome. That speaks a bit to the fact that the more experienced players raised the bar.