Los Pumas Name Strong Line-Up for All Blacks Clash in Córdoba

Argentina’s Los Pumas have announced their matchday squad to face the All Blacks this Saturday, 16 August, at Estadio Mario Alberto Kempes in Córdoba, with kick-off set for 18:10 local time. The fixture is part of the Rugby Championship and promises to be a high-intensity encounter as the Pumas aim to challenge one of world rugby’s most formidable sides.

Head coach Michael Cheika has named an experienced starting XV, captained by hooker Julián Montoya, with Pablo Matera and Juan Cruz Mallía serving as vice-captains. The forward pack features Mayco Vivas, Pedro Delgado, and Franco Molina in the tight five, with Marcos Kremer and Joaquín Oviedo bringing physicality to the back row.

In the backline, Gonzalo García will partner Tomás Albornoz in the half-backs, while Bautista Delguy and Rodrigo Isgró provide pace out wide. Santiago Chocobares and Lucio Cinti combine in midfield, with Mallía wearing the number 15 jersey.

The bench includes seasoned campaigners such as Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro and Guido Petti, alongside impact players like Santiago Carreras and Justo Piccardo.

Argentina Starting XV:

1. Mayco Vivas

2. Julián Montoya (C)

3. Pedro Delgado

4. Franco Molina

5. Pedro Rubiolo

6. Pablo Matera (VC)

7. Marcos Kremer

8. Joaquín Oviedo

9. Gonzalo García

10. Tomás Albornoz

11. Bautista Delguy

12. Santiago Chocobares

13. Lucio Cinti

14. Rodrigo Isgró

15. Juan Cruz Mallía (VC)

Replacements:
16. Ignacio Ruiz
17. Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro
18. Joel Sclavi
19. Guido Petti
20. Juan Martín González
21. Simón Benítez Cruz
22. Santiago Carreras
23. Justo Piccardo

The Pumas will be looking to build on recent performances and use the passionate Córdoba crowd as an extra weapon. The All Blacks, however, will present a fierce challenge, with their speed, skill, and physicality demanding a complete 80-minute effort from the home side.

Saturday’s match could prove pivotal in shaping the Rugby Championship standings, and with both teams eager to make a statement, fans can expect a thrilling battle.