Pumitas named to face New Zealand

Coming off an 18-16 loss against Ireland Los Pumitas head coach Nicolás Fernández Lobbe has named a much changed side for Saturday’s second round match of the World Rugby Under 20s Championship in Italy. The starting lineup features ten changes with only Ignacio Larrague, José Deheza, Bautista Ezcurra, Emiliano Boffelli and Eugenio Achilli having been retained.

Changes to the team include Nicolás Ocello, Gaspar Baldunciel and Eduardo Bello named to start in the front-row. Ignacio Calas replaces Vittorio Rosti in the second-row while Benito Paolucci and Santiago Portillo are to replace Lucas Gasparri and Ernesto Olmedo respectively.

Changes to the backs see a new pairing in the halves with Patricio Baronio and Ignacio Alborno set to start. Additional changes see changes at wing and fullback with Julián Domínguez and Matías Ferro both being given opportunities.

Awaiting the Pumas are tournament favorites New Zealand who are coming off an impresseive opening round win over Scotland. Argentina have faced New Zealand on three previous occasions at under 20 level with the New Zealanders having yet to be defeated. The match will be played at San Michele Stadium in Calvisano with kick-off scheduled for 1:30pm Argentine time.

Los Pumitas
1 Nicolás Ocello, 2 Gaspar Baldunciel, 3 Eduardo Bello, 4 Ignacio Larrague, 5 Ignacio Calas, 6 Benito Paolucci, 7 José Deheza, 8 Santiago Portillo, 9 Patricio Baronio, 10 Ignacio Albornoz, 11 Julián Domínguez, 12 Bautista Ezcurra (Captain), 13 Emiliano Boffelli, 14 Eugenio Achilli, 15 Matías Ferro

Replacements
16 Santiago Medrano, 17, Javier Díaz, 18 Ignacio Calles, 19 Vittorio Rosti, 20 Lucas Gasparri, 21 Lautaro Bazán Vélez, 22 Domingo Miotti, 23 Tomás Granella

Head Coach: Nicolás Fernández Lobbe