Pumas debut prop and potential new faces on bench for South Africa clash

Argentina's Pumas are set to face world champions South Africa with a debutant prop and potentially three new players on the bench. Coach Felipe Contepomi has assembled a team with limited experience for the upcoming test match, a decision driven by the need to rest players active in European leagues.

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The right prop from Tucumán Francisco Moreno, a player for Tarucas in Super Rugby Americas, who emerged from Lince and is currently at Universitario, will have the difficult mission of making his international debut against the most powerful scrum on the planet.

Francisco Moreno, a prop from Tucumán, will make his international debut against South Africa's formidable scrum. On the bench, flanker Juan Martín Scelzo, hooker Leonel Oviedo, and flanker Juan Penoucos are in line for their first caps. Several other starters also have five or fewer caps, reflecting the team's inexperience.

The selection strategy also includes the return of Tomás Lavanini, who hasn't played for the Pumas since the 2024 Rugby Championship. He will partner Guido Petti in the second row, forming one of the most frequent pairings in the team's history. Santiago Carreras will start at flyhalf, with Gerónimo Prisciantelli at fullback, a different configuration than their last match against South Africa.

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The giant who emerged from Hindú has not played for the Pumas since the 2024 Rugby Championship, but received Contepomi's confidence to replace the numerous absences and confront the power of the South African pack.

Contepomi has opted for a bench with six forwards and two backs, anticipating the physical challenge posed by the South African pack. The decision to rest many players active in France's Top 14 is also a strategic move to prepare for the 2027 World Cup. Players like Tomás Rapetti and Efraín Elías, who have had limited game time, are exceptions. This approach allows the coach to have them for an extended period during the November window, which this year counts towards the Nations Championship and features an additional match.

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Due to the prolonged calendar in Europe, prioritizing player rest and with the 2027 Australia World Cup in sight, Contepomi opted to give rest to the vast majority of players who play in the Top 14 in France.