WALLABIES v ARGENTINA ,JULY 15th,2023
COMMBANK STADIUM,SYDNEY
IN the heart of Sydney at CommBank Stadium, a thrilling clash awaits rugby fans as the Wallabies and Argentina lock horns in a pivotal Rugby Championship encounter on July 15th, 2023. After both teams suffered opening match defeats, the pressure is on to bounce back and redeem themselves in this highly anticipated showdown.
Head coach Eddie Jones has announced significant changes to the Wallabies lineup following their loss to South Africa. Co-captain Michael Hooper will be sidelined due to a foot injury, paving the way for the talented Reds flanker, Fraser McReight, to step up in the starting XV. Jed Holloway will join him in the back row, while Richie Arnold partners with Will Skelton as the France-based lock duo.
In the backline, the return of Samu Kerevi from injury sees him pairing up with Len Ikitau in the centers. Mark Nawaqanitawase, after an impressive Spring Tour last year, gets his first game of 2023, joining Marika Koroibete and Tom Wright at the back. The experienced Quade Cooper and the reliable Nic White complete the Wallabies’ backline, ready to challenge Argentina’s defense.
Jones emphasizes the importance of this match, stating, “As a squad, we’re running a marathon this year, and we didn’t get off the start line like we wanted to. But we get another opportunity to find our rhythm this weekend against a tough Argentinian side. We have to roll up our sleeves on Saturday and put in a performance that drives Australians to show pride in the Wallabies.”
On the bench, the return of prop Angus Bell boosts the Wallabies’ front row, with Josh Kemeny, Matt Philip, and Rob Leota adding depth and versatility to the team.
Argentina, despite their defeat against New Zealand, showcased resilience in the second half, outscoring their opponents 12-10. However, they face challenges in stifling their opponents’ inventiveness and quickness at the ruck. The Pumas’ focus for this match lies in reducing penalties, disrupting Australia’s ball, and unleashing their creativity on the attack.
Led by captain Julián Montoya, Argentina’s lineup features Thomas Gallo, Francisco Gómez Kodela, Matías Alemanno, and Tomás Lavanini in the forward pack. The formidable trio of Pablo Matera, Santiago Grondona, and Juan Martín González completes the back row. Santiago Carreras, Mateo Carreras, and Jerónimo de la Fuente add firepower to the backline, while Emiliano Boffelli anchors the team at fullback.
As Australia plays host, they hope to secure their first victory in the competition against a resilient Argentine side. The Wallabies will need to deliver an improved offensive and defensive display to seize the win and alleviate the pressure mounting after three consecutive losses.
Argentina : 1 Thomas Gallo, 2 Julián Montoya (capt.), 3 Francisco Gómez Kodela, 4 Matías Alemanno, 5 Tomás Lavanini, 6 Pablo Matera, 7 Santiago Grondona, 8 Juan Martín González, 9 Gonzalo Bertranou, 10 Santiago Carreras, 11 Mateo Carreras, 12 Jerónimo de la Fuente, 13 Lucio Cinti, 14 Rodrigo Isgró, 15 Emiliano Boffelli
Replacements: 16 Agustín Creevy, 17 Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro, 18 Eduardo Bello, 19 Lucas Paulos, 20 Rodrigo Bruni, 21 Lautaro Bazán Vélez, 22 Nicolás Sánchez, 23 Matías Moroni
Australia : 1 James Slipper (capt.), 2 David Porecki, 3 Allan Alaalatoa, 4 Richie Arnold, 5 Will Skelton, 6 Jed Holloway, 7 Fraser McReight, 8 Rob Valetini, 9 Nic White, 10 Quade Cooper, 11 Marika Koroibete, 12 Samu Kerevi, 13 Len Ikitau, 14 Mark Nawaqanitawase, 15 Tom Wright
Replacements: 16 Jordan Uelese, 17 Angus Bell, 18 Pone Fa’amausili, 19 Matt Philip, 20 Rob Leota, 21 Josh Kemen, 22 Tate McDermott, 23 Carter Gordon
Referee: Jaco Peyper (ZA)
Assistant Referees: Paul Williams (NZ); James Doleman (NZ)
TMO: Marius Jonker (ZA)
It should be a cakewalk for Australia, who are playing at home against an Argentina team that has given the impression that they have nothing they are aiming for. But Australia seem to find a way to lose. Personally I think selecting Eddie Jones is a mistake, and I do not rate him or Michael Cheika as great coaches.
Australia to win!!!
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