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Much changed Argentina line-up named to take on Ireland

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In short

The Pumas will field an entirely new backline for Friday's Nations Championship match against Ireland, with only forwards Pablo Matera and Boris Wenger retaining their starting spots. Regular captain Julian Montoya makes his return to lead the side, and centre Santiago Chocobares has been cleared to play despite a recent head knock in France. The extensive rotation comes as Argentina attempts to break an 11-match losing streak in Dublin while coping with several major injury setbacks. Notable absentees include playmaker Santiago Carreras, who is sidelined with a severe knee injury sustained with Bath, and prop Thomas Gallo following wrist surgery.

Key points

  • Felipe Contepomi has refreshed his starting side by introducing an entirely new backline…: Felipe Contepomi has refreshed his starting side by introducing an entirely new backline for the match in Dublin.
  • Santiago Chocobares has been declared fit to start in the midfield despite a recent domes…: Santiago Chocobares has been declared fit to start in the midfield despite a recent domestic league head knock.
  • Argentina must overcome the absence of key injured personnel including front-rower Thomas…: Argentina must overcome the absence of key injured personnel including front-rower Thomas Gallo following his recent wrist surgery.

Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1

DUBLIN, Nov 4 : Argentina have retained only two players from the starting line-up of their last test in September for Friday's Nations Championship clash against Ireland in Dublin.

• Argentina had to do without many of their Europe-based players in their last international against Australia in Mendoza on September 5, which ended in a 28-28 stalemate

• Coach Felipe Contepomi has injury issues this time round but has been able to pick a much stronger side with the backline all changed and only Pablo Matera and Boris Wenger retained in the forward pack

• Julian Montoya returns to captain the team as Argentina look for a first win over Ireland in Dublin, having lost 11 times previously to their hosts

• Santiago Chocobares has been included at centre despite concerns after he suffered a head knock playing in the French league last month

• The notable absentees for the Pumas are Santiago Carreras, who suffered a serious knee injury playing for Bath in England last month, and prop Thomas Gallo, who had surgery on his left wrist hurt while…

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