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Argentina are not taking any chances at the South American Olympic Qualifier this coming weekend. Los Pumas are sending their strongest possible side to compete with a direct spot at the 2020 Olympics on the line. Having lost to Chile on the Sudamérica Rugby circuit earlier this year, the Argentines are wary of another upset.
Santiago Álvarez captains the side, one of five members of the Rio 2016 squad included. Former captain Gastón Revol is joined by highly experienced forwards Fernando Luna and Germán Schulz, with top try scorer Franco Sábato retaining his spot on the wing.
Los Pumas finished 9th overall on the HSBC circuit this season and remain favorites to emerge victorious in Santiago. A surprise defeat would not eliminate them from contention as they would then enter the Repechage competition at a venue to be determined in June of next year.
Joining Argentina in Pool A this weekend are Colombia, Paraguay, Peru, and Guatemala. Pool B consists of hosts Chile, Uruguay, Brazil, Venezuela, and Costa Rica.
LOS PUMAS SEVENS
Santiago Álvarez (capt.), Lautaro Bázan Vélez, Felipe Del Mestre, Luciano González Rizzoni, Fernando Luna, Santiago Mare, Matías Osadczuk, Maximo Provenzano, Gastón Revol, Franco Sábato, Germán Schulz, Francisco Ulloa, Tomás Vanni
