Los Pumas face Australia at the Estadio Malvinas Argentinas in Mendoza, according to team announcements ahead of the international test match. The fixture follows a 27-21 defeat to the Wallabies in Jujuy, setting up a rematch in the ongoing rugby calendar.
Match Details and Broadcast Information
The test match kicks off at 18:00 local time and will be broadcast live on ESPN and Disney+ Premium. The province of Mendoza returns to hosting the Argentine national team after a two-year gap, following a 2024 friendly fixture against France.
Felipe Contepomi oversees his fifteenth international appearance in Mendoza since 1997, holding a local record of seven victories, one draw, and six losses across official and preparatory fixtures.
Jujuy Encounter and Wallabies Advantage
During the match in Jujuy, Australia established an early 12-0 lead through tries from Brandon Paenga-Amosa and Max Jorgensen alongside a conversion by Ryan Lonergan. Argentina responded when a play initiated by Rodrigo Isgró led to a try by Gerónimo Prisciantelli, converted by Santiago Carreras, leaving the visitors ahead 22-14 at halftime.
In the second half, a try by Boris Wenger narrowed the deficit to 22-21 before Australia’s Tom Hooper scored at the 54-minute mark to secure the 27-21 final score. The outcome marked the fourth victory for the Wallabies, who enter the Mendoza fixture with their captain returning to the lineup after missing the Jujuy encounter.
Team Formations and Lineup Changes
Felipe Contepomi adjusted his squad for the second test, bringing in Efraín Elías and Franco Molina to the second line while shifting Guido Petti to the wing. Pedro Delgado replaces Francisco Moreno in the front row, while Nicolás Roger takes over at fly-half, moving Santiago Carreras to fullback. Replacements Facundo Cardozo and Mateo Soler are positioned on the bench for potential international debuts.
Starting Lineups
- Los Pumas: The squad features Boris Wenger alongside Ignacio Ruiz, Pedro Delgado, Efraín Elías, Franco Molina, Pablo Matera, Guido Petti, Joaquín Moro, Simón Benítez Cruz, Nicolás Roger, Ignacio Mendy, Faustino Sánchez Valarolo, Lucio Cinti, Rodrigo Isgró, and Santiago Carreras.
- Wallabies: The team selection comprises Angus Bell, Billy Pollard, Taniela Tupou, Josh Canham, Jeremy Williams, Rob Valetini, Fraser McReight, captain Harry Wilson (C), Ryan Lonergan, Ben Donaldson, Filipo Daugunu, Len Ikitau, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Max Jorgensen, and Tom Wright.
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