Matera leads Pumas on tour
– Pablo Matera (above) will debut as Argentina captain on a challenging tour of Europe that kicks off on Saturday with a Test against second-ranked Ireland in Dublin.
The unpredictable Pumas then face France in Lille and Scotland at Murrayfield, nations higher in the world rankings than the ninth-place tourists.
A match against the Barbarians at Twickenham concludes the last visit to Europe by the South Americans before the 2019 World Cup in Japan.
Argentina won two Rugby Championship matches for the first time this year, but lost to Australia in the final game after throwing away a 24-point halftime advantage.
They changed coaches in mid-year with Daniel Hourcade resigning after home losses to weakened Wales and Scotland sides and was replaced by former Pumas hooker Mario Ledesma.
Now the task of skippering the side has changed hands too with 25-year-old flanker Matera succeeding hooker Agustin Creevy.
“I discussed with my staff who is best suited to lead Argentina going forward and Pablo kept being mentioned,” said Ledesma.
“Pablo is the best leader to take us where we want to go. He transmits his energy and intensity very well to the rest of the team.
“This is a good time for him to take the leadership role. He has already won 55 caps and is at the right age.
“He reminds me of several captains that I knew, including Michael Hooper of Australia, in the way he has grown as a player.”
Ledesma also lavished praise on 33-year-old Creevy, who is widely considered to be among the best hookers in the world.
“In no way is the change of captaincy a suggestion that Agustin failed. He has been a great leader and I thank him for the support he has given Pablo.
“He will play a key role going forward, helping the new skipper settle in.
“We are not going to do without Agustin. He is also a leader, our number one hooker, and one of the best in that position in the world.”
Matera was a natural choice having replaced Creevy as Jaguares captain this year. – AFP
In no way is the change of captaincy a suggestion that Agustin failed. Mario Ledesma Argentina coach