Argentina change it up
Argentina coach Daniel Hourcade has rung the changes for Saturday’s test against the All Blacks in New Plymouth in attempt to kick-start their Rugby Champaign campaign.
Hourcade has made seven changes to the starting side that lost a secondstraight test to the Springboks two weeks ago, with veteran backrower Juan Manuel Leguizamon the most surprising omission.
Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro returns at tighthead prop in place of Ramiro Herrera, who is injured, while Guido Petti has been named at lock, replacing Tomas Lavanini.
Lavanini was sent off after receiving two yellow cards in the 41-23 loss to South Africa at Salta on Aug. 27. While he was not suspended, Hourcade left him out of his 29-man squad for Saturday’s match and the test against Australia a week later.
Backrower Leonardo Senatore, who played in the 37-15 loss to the Springboks at Port Elizabeth but was dropped for the return match, was also omitted from the touring squad. Javier Ortega Desio and Benjamin Macome have been named in the backrow, replacing Tomas Lezana and Leguizamon.
‘‘Benjamin Macome is training very well, is a ball carrier similar to Leguizamon and now will have his opportunity,’’ Hourcade said. ‘‘The rest of the players are also training very well and, as I always say, there are no substitutes and starters. We choose the best player for each match.’’
Nicolas Sanchez returns at firstfive in place of Juan Martin Hernandez, Matias Moroni starts at center in place of Matias Orlando and winger Santiago Cordero replaces Ramiro Moyano.
Argentina has never beaten New Zealand in 24 tests.
The All Blacks have also made seven changes to their starting lineup as Steve Hansen rotates his squad.