The Argentina Los Pumas and Australia Wallabies will meet on Aug. 31 at Estadio Jorge Luis Hirschi in La Plata, showcasing two teams on divergent paths.
Argentina, fresh off a win and loss against New Zealand and buoyed by their strong form, is eager to build momentum. Conversely, Australia is navigating murky waters, coming off a disappointing Rugby World Cup and treading a new path under new gaffer Joe Schmidt.
Los Pumas will look to key players like captain Julián Montoya and the veteran Agustín Creevy, making his final international appearance.
Under Schmidt's direction, the Wallabies will count on emerging stars like debutant Hamish Stewart and captain Harry Wilson to ignite a resurgence. Both teams need a crucial win as they begin the first of two consecutive matches in the third and fourth round of the Rugby Championship.
Argentina vs. Australia Rugby Match Lineups
Argentina
- Thomas Gallo
- Julian Montoya (c)
- Francisco Gomez Kodela
- Matias Alemanno
- Guido Petti
- Marcos Kremer
- Pablo Matera
- Juan Martin Gonzalez
- Gonzalo Bertranou
- Santiago Carreras
- Emiliano Boffelli
- Lucio Cinti
- Santiago Chocobares
- Mateo Carreras
- Juan Cruz Mallia
Substitutes: 16. Agustin Creevy 17. Mayco Vivas 18. Eduardo Bello 19. Guido Petti 20. Tomas Lavanini 21. Santiago Grondona 22. Lautaro Bazan Velez 23. Tomas Albornoz
Australia
- Angus Bell
- Folau Fainga’a
- Taniela Tupou
- Richie Arnold
- Cadeyrn Neville
- Fraser McReight
- Harry Wilson (c)
- Rob Valetini
- Jake Gordon
- Noah Lolesio
- Tom Wright
- Len Ikitau
- Hamish Stewart
- Mark Nawaqanitawase
- Andrew Kellaway
Substitutes: 16. Josh Nasser 17. Isaac Kailea 18. Allan Alaalatoa 19. Jeremy Williams 20. Langi Gleeson 21. Tate McDermott 22. Ben Donaldson 23. Max Jorgensen
The match kicks off at 6 p.m. EDT on Aug. 31 at Estadio Jorge Luis Hirschi in La Plata, Argentina.
Where to Watch Argentina vs. Australia Rugby
The Rugby Championship will be streaming in the United States on FloRugby and the FloSports app. That includes games from Ireland, South Africa, New Zealand and Australia. Match replays, highlights and more will be on both platforms.
Key Players to Watch
Argentina:
- Agustín Creevy: The veteran hooker will be playing his final international match. Creevy's leadership and experience will be invaluable for Argentina.
- Julián Montoya: The captain is a force to be reckoned with in the scrum. Montoya's leadership and energy will be essential for Argentina.
- Juan Martin Gonzalez: A standout in Argentina's win against New Zealand, Gonzalez's powerful runs and strong tackles make him a threat.
Australia:
- Harry Wilson: The new captain is a strong and dynamic player. Wilson will be looking to inspire the Wallabies to victory.
- Hamish Stewart: The debutant inside center is a talented playmaker. Stewart will be looking to make an impact in his first Test match.
- Rob Valetini: A powerful ball carrier, Valetini will be crucial for Australia's attack.
The Road Ahead
The Wallabies and Los Pumas will both be looking to build momentum in the Rugby Championship. Australia is ranked No. 9 in the world with 78.96 points, while Argentina is ranked No. 6 in the world with 83.30 points. This match is a must-win for both teams as they look to climb the Rugby Championship standings.
A Fitting Farewell
The upcoming match will mark the end of an era for Argentina. Agustín Creevy is one of the most decorated players in the nation's rugby history, and his farewell is sure to be an emotional one. It will also be the first test under Joe Schmidt for the Wallabies, who will be looking to make a statement with a win against a strong Argentina side.
Final Thoughts
The Argentina vs. Australia match promises to be a fierce and exciting contest. With both teams looking to make a statement, this game has all the ingredients for a memorable clash. Tune in on Aug. 31 to see who emerges victorious!
A Glimpse Into The Future
The Rugby Championship is set to be a thrilling tournament, with teams vying for dominance. With each match, we’ll gain further insight into the strategies and strengths of the different teams. The competition is fierce, but the excitement is palpable. Keep your eyes peeled for more exciting updates as the tournament progresses.
A Call to Action
What are your predictions for the Argentina vs. Australia match? Let us know in the comments below!