Pumas confirm squad for Oceania trip

Daniel Hourcade has selected 28 players to travel for the away games in New Zealand and Australia in the next two rounds of the Rugby Championship.

Not included are Tomás Lavanini and Manuel Montero. Both started against South Africa in Nelspruit and Salta, going down injured in the latter. For Lavanini it is an early end to the season. He is to undergo knee surgery. Montero will miss the tour but be fit to play at home against New Zealand in round five.

Both Juan Martín Hernández and Nicolás Sánchez also left the field injured in Salta. Under medical advise Hourcade is confident that he will be able to use both men. They are to be joined by Jerónimo de la Fuente to give the team greater options.

Having missed out on facing South Africa the Rosario mid-fielder is now fit to play in the round three and four matches. His inclusion gives Argentina an additional option in both center positions. He is one of two backs added, the other being scrum half Felipe Ezcurra.

An additional call-up to the roster sees Leonardo Senatore joining for the first time this year. Having served his suspension the number 8 returns to provide support to the in-form Facundo Isa. Not included is loosehead prop Santiago García Botta with others instead named.

The squad will depart Buenos Aires on Friday, flying from Aeropuerto Internacional de Ezeiza to Auckland, New Zealand. The first of the two test matches will be played in Hamilton on Saturday September 10. One week later Argentina will face Australia in Perth.