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Felipe Contepomi has signalled that he is happy to give his young players their chance after he named his Argentina squad for their two matches against England, and one-off test against Uruguay.
Felipe Contepomi has signalled that he is happy to give his young players their chance after he named his Argentina squad for their two matches against England, and one-off test against Uruguay.
Los Pumas face England in La Plata on 5, in San Juan on 12 July, and then take on Uruguay in Salta on 19 July.
Contepomi has named a 34-player squad that features 13 players from Super Rugby Americas and 13 uncapped players.
ABSENT ALBORNOZ
The biggest absence in first choice flyhalf Tomas Albornoz, who scored a try and kicked 13 points in Los Pumas 28-24 non-test victory over the British and Irish Lions in Dublin on Friday.
He has been given time to rest and enjoy a holiday before the Rugby Championship starts in August.
It means that Santiago Carreras is the only experienced flyhalf in the squad, with the uncapped Nicolás Roger his backup.
Players involved in the Top 14 playoffs are also absent, notably Bordeaux-Begles’ Guido Petti, and Toulouse’s Santiago Chocobares and Juan Cruz Mallia.
“Just as we did last year, we will have development players within the squad, something we believe is extremely important to get to know them better and give them experience for the future.
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ArgentinaSouth AfricaFAMILIAR FACES AND ROUGH DIAMONS
“On the other hand, we are very committed to physical and mental health and believe rest is key, which is why several players will not be with us in this squad.”
Nonetheless, there are plenty of figures that will be familiar to European rugby fans.
Saracens duo Juan Martín Gonzalez and Lucio Sinti are included, as are Bristol Bears’ brothers Benjamin and Santiago Grondona, and Harlequins wing Rodrigo Isgro.
Ignazio Mendy and Santiago Cordero retain their places in the squad after they scored a try apiece in Los Pumas’ victory over the Lions.