Pumas Name Squad for Historic Córdoba Test Against the All Blacks

Some well-known and respected names are missing from Argentina's squad to start the Lipovitan-D Rugby Championship against the All Blacks in Cordoba on Sunday (NZT).

Utility back, Matias Moroni, who can play second five-eighths, centre or wing, performed well during Argentina's July series against England but has been excluded from the team named.

Loose forward Facundo Isa, who opted out of the 2024 international campaigns, and lock Tomas Lavanini have also missed out. Gonzalo Bertranou, injured during the England series, has also been left out.

Not considered because of injury are Benjamin Grondona, Emilino Boffelli and Thomas Gallo.

Juan Cruz Mallia, Santiago Chocobares, Marcos Kremer, Bautista Delguy, Mateo Carreras and Ignazio Ruiz did not play against England and are making their first appearances of the season for Argentina.

While Argentina has beaten the All Blacks three times, their most recent win being their 38-30 victory in Wellington last year, they have never won in Argentina. The sides drew 21-21 in 1985. The All Blacks won the last game between the two 42-10 at Eden Park last year.

The sides have never met in a Test in Cordoba, and it is the All Blacks' first game in the city since 2014 and will be played at Mario Alberto Kempes Stadium. Frenchman Pierre Brousset will referee the first Test and Australian Nic Berry the second, in Buenos Aires.

The Argentina squad is:

Forwards: Bautista Bernasconi, Francisco Coria Marchetti, Pedro Delgado, Juan Martin Gonzalez, Santiago Grondona, Marcos Kremer, Pablo Matera, Franco Molina, Julian Montoya, Joaquin Oviedo, Lucas Paulos, Guido Petti, Pedro Rubiolo, Ignacio Ruiz, Joel Sclavi, Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro, Mayco Vivas, Boris Wenger.

Backs: Thomas Bathrobe, Simon Benitez Cruz, Mateo Carreras, Santiago Chocobares, Lucio Cinti, Bautista Delguy, Benjamin Elizalde, Gonzalo Garcia, Rodrigo Isgro, Juan Cruz Mallia, Iganacio Mendy, Agustin Moyano, Justo Piccardo, Geronimo Prisciantelli.

Find out where to watch the Lipovitan-D Rugby Championship around the world HERE.