Americas Rugby News Rugby news from across the Americas!
Gaspar Baldunciel is out for the Argentina XV. The hooker has been replaced by the uncapped Agustín Gómez Di Nardo for the remainder of the World Rugby Nations Cup.
Baldunciel started at hooker against Russia on Saturday. Having made a tackle he was forced off early though injury. His replacement was Roberto Tejerizo, a player to have converted from Loose Head prop to hooker this year.
The hooker position has seen Argentina’s depth put into question. Tejerizo transitioned to hooker immediately following Agen’s signing of Facundo Bosch. This placed him third in line behind Agustín Creevy and Julian Montoya for both Pumas and Jaguares.
Naturally a hooker, Baldunciel started against Canada, Chile, Russia and the USA for the Argentina XV this year. Marcelo Brandi and Axel Zapata also got starts in the Americas Rugby Championship.
Tejerizo was on the bench, covering Baldunciel against both Chile and Russia. He is now favored to start against Spain on Wednesday. The match is a round two fixture for the World Rugby Nations Cup.
Tejerizo playing hooker for Argentina’s official ‘A’ side is concerning. This is the case not based on the attributed of the player whatsoever. Rather it is a reflection of Argentina simply lacking players to call upon at hooker.
Felipe Contepomi’s naming of Agustín Gómez Di Nardo comes with Facundo Bosch now abroad. It also sees the continued absence of Santiago Iglesias Valdez. The latter of the two narrowly missed out on selection for Rugby World 2015. The 24-year-old debuted for Argentina in 2013 and last appeared vs Chile twelve months ago.
Gómez Di Nardo joins from Belgrano club in Buenos Aires. He has previously played for the Buenos Aires provincial side in the Campeonato Argentino. He now has the opportunity of a lifetime, the chance to go from club rugby to the Pumas reserve team immediately.
