Although it was omitted in rugby championship And originally, it was not called for this November window. The injury to Lucio Cinti created a place for him in the team. One of the most important matches of the year, Matthias Moroni He receives a new opportunity to prove his worth. The brand new Bristol Bears center was included in the initial formation set Felipe Contepomi They will face Scotland in their second Test of the European tour at Murrayfield in Edinburgh on Sunday at 12.10pm. In total, the coach included five changes between starters and two additions to the bench.
In addition to the return of Moroni, who has not played for Pumas since appearing against Uruguay in July;In the absence of Marcos Kremer “Because I took a break,” I suffered a significant loss. Return of Juan Cruz Maríawas on the bench for the first game of the series against Wales and was in the castle with Santiago Carreras.
Other changes include Rodrigo Isguro replacing Bautista Delgui, Santiago Grondona replacing Pablo Matera and Pedro Rubiolo replacing Kremer (who is absent from Cardiff due to injury). Among the substitutes are Francisco Coria (replacing Thomas Rapetti) and Efrain Elias (replacing Matias Alemanno). They made their debut in the win over the All Blacks in Wellington in 2024, but were again not considered. The absence of Santiago Carreras raises questions in this regard.
“We know what Toot brings and what he can give us. The dialogue with him was always very clear.. “He’s someone we trust and he’s always ready when we call,” Contepomi said in a press conference. “He brings that energy and everything that Toot brings.” This match has tactical and strategic issues that seem most appropriate to us. It’s not that Piki (Justo Piccardo) played poorly. “Those are the combinations for each game.”
Contepomi left Moroni, 34, out of the Rugby Championship despite his most outstanding performance in four games in July, including against the British & Irish Lions. He chose to train the talented young Benjamin Elizalde (21). Despite his natural position being fullback, he is in the position of second center. He played just 30 minutes in that role in the loss to Australia in Townsville. When Sinty was injured and unable to play against the Springboks at Twickenham, he was replaced by Piccardo (usually a first centre), and the situation was repeated the following Sunday against Wales.
Moroni was also not initially called up for the tour, but after an injury to Sinti and two very good games with his new club Bristol Bears, he gained the coach’s trust again. A similar situation to 2022, when Cheika removed him from the first call-up and sent him to Argentina
The absence of Marcos Kremer is the most sensitive.. The third line provides strength and offensive tackles that are essential to the Pumas game in attack and defense. “Playing three international matches of this level is a physically demanding challenge. There are also more tactical decisions, but in Marcos’ case there were also hits,” Felipe justified. “It’s not like he hasn’t played, but he’s played seven games in a row. We have often talked about the physical and mental care of our players. If you speak and think like that, you must act accordingly. It’s a complicated situation. This will be his 12th game of the year, but Marcos has had to miss five games due to rest issues. That’s reality, not an excuse. We prioritize our players no matter the situation. Marcos finished both games against South Africa and played four weekends in a row against Clermont, playing 80 minutes in three games and 70-odd minutes in one. Of course, you can play it one more time, but it starts with shock and pain. “We want Marcos Kremer to play every game, but we have to take care of him.”
Given this predictable situation, wouldn’t it have been better to save him for the first game against Wales, where he would have been more accessible on paper?
Due to the absence of Santiago Carreras, Who will be the kicker? Geronimo Prisciantelli, who remained in 10th place after performing very well in two games, and Juan Cruz María, who regained 15th place after two games (he was a winger at Twickenham but came off the bench as a center in the Millennium), are candidates. “We have not named him yet,” Contepomi warned. “Sometimes we sit down and talk. They know who’s doing well and who’s not. In that sense, the good thing about these kids is; They put the team before their personal egos And they know very well who is better. For us, it’s a different role, like a hooker throwing the line, and we’re confident in who’s going to do that. ”
I was also surprised Mr. Isgro’s re-entryIt wasn’t because of his condition, but because his replacement, Bautista Delgui, was in top form. Contepomi has been constantly rotating his wingers this year, and the level of competition in this position is very high and evenly matched. Santiago Grondona is making his third start of the year, which is also highly contested. Pablo Matera, who has played the second most minutes for Puma this season, was also rested and moved to the bench.
Finally, the return of Efrain Eliasa 21-year-old who has not played since making his debut in the Rugby Championship last year. After this match, he had to go to Toulouse to join his new club, but was never used again (also due to injury). He re-emerged with more experience and this season appeared in seven games for the strongest teams in the French top 14.
Argentina: Juan Cruz María. Rodrigo Isgro, Matias Moroni, Santiago Chocobarres, Mateo Carreras. Geronimo Prisciantelli and Simon Benitez Cruz. Juan Martín González, Joaquín Oviedo, and Santiago Grondona. Pedro Rubiolo and Guido Petit Pagadizabal. Pedro Delgado, Julián Montoya (captain), Meiko Vivas.
Director: Felipe Contepomi.
Substitutes: Ignacio Ruiz, Tomas Gallo, Francisco Coria, Efrain Elias, Pablo Matera, Agustín Moyano, Santiago Carreras, Justo Picardo.
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