Argentina Confirm 26-man Roster for South Africa

Los Pumas Head Coach Daniel Hourcade has confirmed which 26 players will travel to South Africa for the opening round of the Rugby Championship. The finalized squad sees a reduction from 33.

The players are to train for the final time in Buenos Aires today and will depart for Johannesburg tomorrow. The Rugby Championship opening round fixture will take place on Saturday August 20 at Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit. Kick-off is scheduled for 12:05pm Argentine time.

In the corresponding fixture a year ago the South Americans made history, defeating the Springboks 37-25 in Durban. It was Argentina’s first away victory in the Rugby Championship and featured a first ever hat-trick by any player against South Africa. The scorer was Juan Imhoff who will not play in Nelspruit.

Argentina’s altered eligibility policy prevents those contracted to European clubs from being considered for Los Pumas. Imhoff is, nonetheless, playing in Rio 2016. Also at the Olympics is Matías Moroni. The outside center’s name is missing from the roster to travel to South Africa tomorrow.

Moroni’s exclusion is likely to be temporary. Hourcade’s 26 names do not contain Jerónimo de la Fuente who has been ruled out injured. This leaves Matías Orlando as the only outside center on the roster. It also sees Ramiro Moyano selected as a winger.

Included for the first time are forwards Felipe Arregui and Marcos Kremer. Both will earn their first caps if they receive game time. Joining them as players who did not play in Rugby World Cup 2015 are Manuel Montero, Ramiro Moyano, Matías Orlando and Enrique Pieretto.

Missing is Leonardo Senatore who was suspended for foul play in Super Rugby. The Rosario number 8 is expected to return for the tour to New Zealand and Australia.