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Argentine-born second row Leandro Cedaro will line up for La Rochelle as they face Gloucester in European Challenge Cup action on Thursday. Born in Resistencia, the big lock had a chance to play for the Jaguars and challenge for a Pumas spot but instead opted to turn out for Italy, for whom he has won only a single cap against Scotland in 2013. Known for his square frame and huge physical strength, Cedaro’s continued absence from the Azzurri test side – and indeed the World Cup – has been a point of contention for Italian fans.
Joining him in a heavyweight pairing is giant Fijian international Jone Qovu, who combines with Cedaro to provide more than 250kg of beef in the engine room. The pack is without massive French tighthead and club captain Uini Atonio, but doesn’t lose much weight with Georgian strongman Gagi Bazadze filling in. Towering All Black Jason Eaton leads the side out from the flank position, with another tall specimen in Romain Sazy on the other side of the scrum.
Gloucester will have two All Blacks of their own in the pack with John Afoa and Jeremy Thrush providing class, but are without Pumas second row Mariano Galarza, still a week away from being cleared to play after his nine-week suspension levied during the World Cup.
La Rochelle will be looking to rebound quickly after a disappointing loss to Worcester on Saturday, while Gloucester are aiming to continue their good start having defeated Zebre in a scrappy encounter at Kingsholm, also on Saturday.
LA ROCHELLE
1 Mike Corbel 2 Benjamin Geledan 3 Gagi Bazadze 4 Jone Qovu 5 Leandro Cedaro 6 Jason Eaton (capt.) 7 Romain Sazy 8 Kevin Gourdon 9 Julien Audy 10 Fabien Fortassin 11 Alex Northam 12 Mali Hingano 13 Elliot Roudil 14 Gabriel Lacroix 15 Charles Bouldoire
16 Maxime Gau 17 Thomas Synaeghel 18 Vincent Pelo 19 Damien Lagrange 20 Zeno Kieft 21 Albain Meron 22 Jules Le Bail 23 Martin Carré
