RWC Missing XV – Argentina

Debate inevitably follows each Rugby World Cup squad announcement. Over the next four days we will look at those left out for each of the four Americas sides and put together our XV who might then comprise a non-traveling selection. Players eligible include all those who remain active, including those injured, retired from international duty, or simply overlooked.

Mario Ledesma has opted to take a Pumas squad heavily based on the Jaguares of Super Rugby. It was to be expected given their strong performance, but a strong influx of talent from Europe could have bolstered the squad. Instead Ledesma severely taxed the European players in weighing selections, leaving some players out who we feel would have been a positive influence on the team.

1 – Facundo Gigena (Leicester Tigers, UK) The relative dearth in quality at loosehead prop led to Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro switching over from tighthead. Mayco Vivas has emerged as a player of promise, while the uncapped Gigena looms as a future Puma should be opt to return at the end of his Leicester contract. Santiago García Botta and Lucas Noguera Paz were experienced alternatives now based in the Premiership but we consider Gigena to have greater potential than either.

2 – Facundo Bosch (La Rochelle, FR) The decision to return to Argentina from Newcastle has paid off handsomely for Santiago Socino, who has now been given the third spot earmarked for Bosch. It remains a contentious decision – Bosch has been outstanding for Agen at both hooker and openside flanker. Such versatility is invaluable in tournament play. Now signed for La Rochelle, should there be an injury at hooker Bosch will surely be the next in line.

3 – Ramiro Herrera (Stade Français, FR) In the extended squad but left out of the final 31 is the RWC 2015 veteran. It’s no great surprise. Juan Figallo is undoubtedly the No1 tighthead while locally-based Santiago Medrano and Enrique Pieretto are solid bench options. Herrera’s form has slipped as of late and there is yet another alternative – Lyon’s Francisco Gómez Kodela is among the best scrummagers in the Top 14.

4 – Lucas Paulos (Jaguares) The next in line from the Jaguares group. Paulos remains uncapped and at 21 still inexperienced at senior level. He is currently in front of a handful of domestic players such as Franco Molina, Ignacio Larrague, and Jerónimo Ureta.

5 – Mariano Galarza (Bayonne, FR) Cruelly banished from RWC 2015 due to a controversial ‘gouging’ claim, Galarza was also a member of the 2011 World Cup squad and had he not moved to Europe would have many more than his 26 test caps. At 2.03m (6’8″) he remains the best lineout exponent available to Los Pumas and could still contribute if called upon.

6 – Francisco Gorrissen (Belgrano) The biggest debate in the back row is ahead, and few would claim that the uncapped Gorrissen should be in the final 31. He has only just broken into the Jaguares squad at the tail end of last season after impressing with the Argentina XV. The 25-year-old has improved steadily and should have more chances in Super Rugby in 2020 with the departure of Pablo Matera for France.

7 – Tomás de la Vega (Toronto Arrows, CA) Something of a forgotten man in Argentine rugby, de la Vega was at one time tipped as a future Pumas captain. Still just 28 years old, his story might have been very different had he not opted out of the PladAR system, the predecessor to the Jaguares, for personal reasons. That effectively ended his test career in 2014. He has since made returns for the Argentina XV but the Jaguares did not come calling and he will now ply his trade in Major League Rugby next season.

8 – Facundo Isa (Toulon, FR) One of the best ball carrying loose forwards in world rugby, Isa’s absence is – frankly – beyond our comprehension. The 25-year-old is in the prime of his career and a consistent performer in the Top 14. Only Matera can compare with Isa in terms of dynamism with ball in hand. Ledesma’s excuse that he would not make the starting XV also wears thin in our opinion – surely having Isa on the bench as an impact sub is preferable to any of the alternatives.

9 – Gonzalo Bertranou (Jaguares) Another non-selection that has baffled many. Bertranou’s rise through the ranks has been swift and he was deservedly first choice for both the Jaguares and Los Pumas before being struck with an untimely injury. While perhaps running a little short of full steam during preparation, it came as a major surprise that he was left out entirely in favor of Felipe Ezcurra. Ledesma could also have opted to bring three scrumhalves, but has instead selected a horde of midfield and outside backs. Martín Landajo is the most experienced halfback available but his form no longer merits inclusion ahead of those selected.

10 – Joaquín Díaz Bonilla (Jaguares) Others might have a different name here, in fact our preference might instead be for the younger Domingo Miotti, but Díaz Bonilla should be recognized for his contributions during Super Rugby. He was always an unlikely inclusion given the clear disparity in experience of Nicolás Sánchez and Benjamín Urdapilleta. Another France-based alternative, Pato Fernández, saw his chances slip away due to injury. A fit and firing Fernández might have given Ledesma pause for thought given his ability to cover multiple positions.

11 – Manuel Montero (Pucará) Once a colossal figure in the Pumas backline, Montero has since slowed after a succession of injuries. Given the depth of talent available in the outside backs it seems unlikely that he will regain his place in the side, though his physical profile remains unmatched in Argentina. Sebastián Cancelliere might have been given a look, particularly given his ability to cover scrumhalf, but his recent form has not demanded inclusion.

12 – Juan Pablo Socino (El Salvador, ES) Another with unusual physical characteristics in Argentine rugby. Socino’s brother will travel but the elder of the two will instead begin a new chapter of his career in Spain. He might have had a closer look but saw little time with Edinburgh this past season. Santiago Gonzalez Iglesias was an experienced option to cover 10 or 12 but has slipped down the pecking order behind several younger players, not least Lucas Mensa.

13 – Marcelo Bosch (Burton, UK) Los Pumas remain unsettled at outside centre though Matías Orlando is now the favorite. Bosch is undoubtedly past his best days but was still an effective performer for Saracens this past season and could have provided leadership to the squad. He is now a player-coach with Midlands side Burton. Bautista Ezcurra looked to be in the mix as a utility back but has lost out to Juan Cruz Mallía.

14 – Juan Imhoff (Racing 92, FR) A two-time World Cup participant with an extensive resume in European rugby, Imhoff’s exclusion is another that we simply cannot agree with. The 31-year-old remains a world class finisher who we think would slot into side seamlessly. His exile since RWC 2015 is one of the great injustices of Argentine rugby in the professional era.

15 – Santiago Cordero (Bordeaux Bègles, FR) An equally baffling omission is that of Cordero. Left out of the original squad, then recalled by Ledesma, only to be left out in the final calling. Cordero was among the best attacking backs in Europe this past season and his ability to play wing or fullback was a desirable attribute. Some have suggested that his defense wasn’t up to par but we argue that his offensive talent far outweighs those negatives.