Argentina has unveiled its squad for the Lipovitan-D Rugby Championship opener against New Zealand, with several high-profile absentees and key players returning for the clash at Mario Alberto Kempes Stadium on Saturday.

Veteran utility back Matías Moroni, who impressed during last month’s series against England, has been omitted from the matchday group. Loose forward Facundo Isa, who opted out of Argentina’s 2024 international campaign, and lock Tomás Lavanini are also missing. Scrum-half Gonzalo Bertranou, sidelined by injury during the England series, will not feature.

Injury has also ruled out Benjamin Grondona, Emiliano Boffelli and Thomas Gallo, removing valuable experience from the Pumas’ arsenal.

On the positive side, Argentina welcomes back several seasoned campaigners who sat out the England series. Juan Cruz Mallía, Santiago Chocobares, Marcos Kremer, Bautista Delguy, Mateo Carreras and Ignacio Ruiz will make their first appearances of the season, bolstering both the backline and forward pack.

The Pumas will be aiming to make history against an All Blacks side they have beaten three times — most recently in a 38-30 upset in Wellington last year — but have never defeated on home soil. The closest Argentina has come was a 21-21 draw in 1985. In their last meeting, New Zealand cruised to a 42-10 win at Eden Park.

Sunday’s match will be the first Test between the sides in Córdoba, and the All Blacks’ first game in the city since 2014. French referee Pierre Brousset will officiate the opener, with Australian Nic Berry set to take charge of the second Test in Buenos Aires.

Argentina squad For The Rugby Championship:

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

Backs: Thomas Bathrobe, Simón Benítez Cruz, Mateo Carreras, Santiago Chocobares, Lucio Cinti, Bautista Delguy, Benjamín Elizalde, Gonzalo García, Rodrigo Isgró, Juan Cruz Mallía, Ignacio Mendy, Agustín Moyano, Justo Piccardo, Gerónimo Prisciantelli.

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