Santiago Carreras benched as Pumas ring changes for Scotland / Photo: Paul ELLIS - AFP
Santiago Carreras benched as Pumas ring changes for Scotland
Santiago Carreras has been dropped to the bench for Argentina's match against Scotland at Murrayfield on Sunday, with coach Felipe Contepomi making five changes to the starting XV that overwhelmed Wales last weekend.
Carreras was on target with all eight of his goal-kicks as Argentina enjoyed a record 52-28 win against Wales in Cardiff.
But such is the Pumas' strength in depth, the Bath star has been replaced at full-back by Juan Cruz Mallia -- another impressive performer from a recent Rugby Championship campaign where Argentina beat Australia and New Zealand.
Mallia is one of two Argentina players set to win their 50th caps in this weekend's Autumn Nations Series clash at Murrayfield, along with openside flanker Juan Martin Gonzalez.
Elsewhere in the backline, Rodrigo Isgro replaces Bautista Delguy on the right wing and Matias Moroni comes in for Justo Piccardo at outside centre.
In the pack, Pedro Rubiolo starts in the second row in place of Marcos Kremer.
There is no place at all for Kremer in the matchday 23, meaning he will not feature at a ground where he was sent off during the Pumas' last visit to Edinburgh in 2022 -- a 52-29 loss.
Back-row forward Santiago Grondona, who came off the bench to score Argentina's seventh and final try against Wales, has changed places with Pablo Matera for a match that sees the Pumas, sixth in the world rankings, facing the eighth-placed Dark Blues.
But veteran hooker Julian Montoya continues as captain.
Scotland are due to name their side later Friday as they look to bounce back from last week's agonising 25-17 loss at home to New Zealand -- a defeat that left them still searching for a first win in 120 years of Tests with the All Blacks.
Argentina (15-1)
Juan Cruz Mallia; Rodrigo Isgro, Matias Moroni, Santiago Chocobares, Mateo Carreras; Geronimo Prisciantelli, Simon Benitez Cruz; Joaquin Oviedo, Juan Martin Gonzalez, Santiago Grondona; Pedro Rubiolo, Guido Petti; Pedro Delgado, Julian Montoya (capt), Mayco Vivas
Replacements: Ignacio Ruiz, Thomas Gallo, Francisco Coria Marchetti, Efrain Elias, Pablo Matera, Agustin Moyano, Santiago Carreras, Justo Piccardo
Coach: Felipe Contepomi (ARG)
A.Winkler--BVZ
