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Argentina’s preparation for the Rugby Championship has taken a hit. Confirmed out of the opening round fixture against South Africa is Santiago García Botta. Having torn his calf the loosehead prop will not be fit to play at the Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit.
Without him Daniel Hourcade is left with only Lucas Noguera Paz as a specialist loosehead. Noguera Paz started in Los Jaguares’ first Super Rugby fixture but it would be his only appearance. Ligament damage ended his season early.
Fit-again Noguera Paz is now to join second-choice tighthead, Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro as the starting options at loosehead for Nelspruit. Also involved in training are Enrique Pieretto and Ramiro Herrera.
The opening round match will be played on August 20. García Botta has not only been confirmed as missing the fixture but is also expected to not be fit for the return fixture on August 27 in Salta.
