Cheika Continues Los Pumas 'Rotation' For Boks Clash

August 03, 2023
1708
Ultimate Rugby

Argentina coach Michael Cheika has continued his rotation policy ahead of the World Cup warm-up match against South Africa in Buenos Aires on Saturday.

The starting XV shows five changes from that which suffered a one-point (21-22) loss to South Africa at Ellis Park last week. The match is the first of a series of World Cup warm-up matches for both teams.

The most significant of the changes is at fullback – where Martin Bogado will start in the place of Juan Cruz Mallia. The latter cited for his act foul play during the loss to South Africa last weekend.

Cruz Mallia was charged with having contravened Law 9.11: Players must not do anything that is reckless or dangerous to others. From the opening kick-off, the ball was collected by Springbok scrumhalf Grant Williams – who attempted a clearance.

Cruz Mallia jumped to charge down the clearance and his hip collided with the head of Williams – knocking the Bok No.9 out cold. The referee, Andrew Brace of Ireland, called it a ‘rugby incident’ and took no action.

However, upon further review of the match footage, the citing commissioner deemed in his opinion the incident had met the ‘red card threshold’ for foul play. It will be Bogado’s debut in the national team and he will become Los Puma No. 889

The four other changes will see Pedro Rubiolo ((lock), Gonzalo Bertranou (scrumhalf), Santiago Cordero (left wing) and Emiliano Boffelli (right wing). all come into the starting XV.

Rubiolo will play his fourth game with the national jersey, but it will be his first start. Cordero will make his 50th appearance – his first in 11 months. His last appearance was a Rugby Championship outing in September last year.

Argentina Team To Face South Africa

1. ROOSTER , Thomas (16 caps)

2. MONTOYA , Julián (captain; 88 caps)

3. GOMEZ KODELA , Francisco (30 caps)

4. RUBIOLO , Pedro (3 caps)

5. LAVANINI , Tomás (81 caps)

6. MATERA , Pablo (94 caps)

7. GRONDONA , Santiago (13 caps)

8. GONZÁLEZ , Juan Martín (23 caps)

9. BERTRANOU , Gonzalo (52 caps)

10. RACES , Santiago (34 caps)

11. LAMB , Santiago (49 caps)