Argentina’s new coach, Australia’s Michael Cheika, has announced a roster overhaul for the three Test matches against Scotland, recalling veteran pacer Agustin Creevy for the first leg in San Salvador, Jujuy (North West) on Saturday. Cheika made seven changes from the Pumas’ last game, the 53-7 defeat against Ireland in Dublin in November.
Former Pumas captain Creevy (37, 88 caps) has not featured since the 2019 World Cup, overlooked by Cheika’s predecessor Mario Ledesma, but has had a remarkable season with London Irish. He will be on the bench, and the captain will be guarded by “Leicester” striker Julian Montoya. Another return, Castres opener Benjamin Urdapileta (age 36, 16 caps), also recalled by Cheika in the 33-man squad, will have to wait. injured in the Top 14 final loss to Montpellier, he will undergo further tests to assess his availability for the other two games against Scotland on July 9 and 16.
Toulouse will start Juan Cruz Malia at the back against Scotland, with Cheika explaining he wants to introduce Santiago Carreras to the opening position, both as cover for Nicolas Sanchez (33) on Saturday and as an option for the future. “We want to build two, three teams that can be competitive at Test match level, build depthCheika explained. “There is good competition and this competition will be rewarded with opportunities for other players in future matches“.
Argentina have won just three of their last twelve matches over the course of the year. The series against Scotland marks the Pumas’ big return to their homeland. They hadn’t played at home for almost three years in August 2019 due to a pandemic rocking the competition in the southern hemisphere.
Argentina’s team against Scotland on Saturday.
Mallya – Cordero, Orlando, De la Fuente, Boffelli – (o) N. Sanchez, (m) Kubelli – Kremer, Matera, Gonzalez – Alemanno, Petti – Gomez Codela, Montoya (hat), Tetaz
Substitutes: Krivi, Vivas, Sclavi, Paulos, Issa, Bertranu, S. Caress, Moroni
Source: Le Figaro
