16 Jul 2015

Pumas ring the changes for All Blacks

3:27 pm on 16 July 2015
Pumas players stretch at their Captain's Run at AMI Stadium

Pumas players stretch at their Captain's Run at AMI Stadium Photo: RNZ

Argentina head coach Daniel Hourcade has named his team to tackle New Zealand in Friday's Rugby Championship opener in Christchurch.

The Pumas side features 12 changes from the last match against the French Barbarians, with just the trio of Guido Pagadizabal Petti, Facundo Isa and Jerónimo De la Fuente retaining their places from the 21-9 victory.

The lock Manuel Carizza has been recalled for his first match since the June 2014 Test against Scotland, while Santiago Cordero will line up for his first Rugby Championship match, along with Isa and Petti...

Argentina's captain admits his team will have to have their best game to beat the All Blacks, but Agustin Creevy's promising a tough fight from his side at AMI Stadium.

Argentina captain Agustin Creevy talks to a reporter

Argentina captain Agustin Creevy talks to a reporter Photo: RNZ

Creevy believes the Pumas can win, though when he was asked whether the hosts have any weaknesses, the skipper was unequivocal.

"No, no weakness. But if we play all together, like with the heart, I think we can win. But we need to do the best game in our life."

Argentina team:

Starting XV:

1. Marcos Ayerza

2. Agustin Creevy (c)

3. Ramiro Herrera

4. Manuel Carizza

5. Guido Petti Pagadizabal

6. Juan Manuel Leguizamon

7. Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe

8. Facundo Isa

9. Thomas Cubelli

10. Nicolas Sanchez

11. Cordero Santiago

12. Jerónimo De la Fuente

13. Marcelo Bosch

14. Horacio Agulla

15. Joaquin Tuculet

Reserves:

16. Julian Montoya

17. Lucas Noguera

18. Nahuel Chaparro Tetaz

19. Benjamin Macome

20. Javier Ortega Desio

21. Martin Landajo

22. Santiago González Iglesias

23. Lucas Gonzalez Amorosino