Match details and context
Argentina's rugby team will play its second test against Australia this Saturday at the Malvinas Argentinas Stadium in Mendoza. The match is scheduled for 18:00 (some sources say 18:10) and will be broadcast on ESPN and Disney+ Premium. This is the last home match of the year for the Pumas, who will then travel for the November internationals.[S1][S2]
The team comes from two consecutive defeats: against South Africa 17-10 in Vélez and against the Wallabies 27-21 in Jujuy last Saturday. In that match, Australia took an early 12-0 lead with tries from Brandon Paenga-Amosa and Max Jorgensen. Argentina reacted with a try from Gerónimo Prisciantelli, but went to halftime down 22-14. In the second half, Boris Wenger scored to bring the score to 22-21, but Tom Hooper's try sealed the 27-21 result.[S1][S2]
Team changes and debutants
Coach Felipe Contepomi has made four changes to the starting XV. The second row is completely renewed with Efraín Elías and Franco Molina replacing Benjamín Grondona and Tomás Lavanini, while Guido Petti moves to the flank. Pedro Delgado comes in for Francisco Moreno in the front row. In the backs, Nicolás Roger takes the fly-half position from Gerónimo Prisciantelli, with Santiago Carreras moving to fullback.[S1][S2]
Two players could make their debut for Argentina: Facundo Cardozo, a back-row from Mendoza who played Super Rugby Americas with Tarucas, and Mateo Soler, a back from Córdoba with Dogos XV. Cardozo's potential debut in his home province adds an emotional element. Australia also makes changes, with Ben Donaldson returning to fly-half for the first time since 2024 and captain Harry Wilson back in the back-row.[S1]
Historical record and upcoming fixtures
The historical record between the two teams favors Australia with 31 wins, three draws, and ten losses in 44 matches. In Mendoza, the Pumas have only won one of four previous tests against the Wallabies, in 2014, losing in 2015, 2017, and 2022. Overall, Argentina has seven wins, one draw, and six losses in Mendoza since 1997.[S1][S2]
After this match, Argentina will play three away tests in November as part of the Nations Championship: against Ireland on November 7, Italy on November 14, and France on November 21. If they advance, they will play the finals in London between November 27 and 29. The referee for this match is James Dolman from New Zealand.[S1][S2]
