Argentina-South Africa: Los Pumas face a huge challenge at Vélez | OneFootball

Los Pumas will face a stern test this Saturday against South Africa, the reigning two-time world champion, at Vélez’s José Amalfitani Stadium. The match will kick off at 4:10 p.m. and will be broadcast on ESPN2 and Disney+ Premium Plan.

The match will also carry special significance for the Argentine national team, as it marks 40 years since their first game at Vélez. At this venue, Los Pumas have produced some of the most important victories in their history, including the memorable 29-23 win over New Zealand in 2025.

South Africa comes into the match in great form and with a perfect record after beating England, Scotland and Wales in its three Nations Championship appearances. The Springboks won 45-21, 42-28 and 43-0, respectively, showing tremendous dominance.

The head-to-head record also strongly favors the African side: in 40 meetings between the two national teams, South Africa has won 35, Argentina has won four, and there has been one draw. Argentina’s last victory came in 2024, when Los Pumas defeated the Springboks 29-28 in Santiago del Estero.

Felipe Contepomi decided to make 13 changes from the team used previously, largely due to various absences. Among the new developments, the return of Tomás Lavanini stands out, while Francisco Moreno will make his international debut.

For Los Pumas, it will be an opportunity to measure the progress of several players against one of the main powers in world rugby. After this match, Argentina will continue its home schedule against Australia before playing the final rounds of the Nations Championship away from home.

Los Pumas: Boris Wenger, Ignacio Ruiz, Francisco Moreno, Guido Petti, Tomás Lavanini, Pablo Matera, Benjamín Grondona, Joaquín Moro, Simón Benítez Cruz, Santiago Carreras, Ignacio Mendy, Faustino Sánchez Valarolo, Lucio Cinti, Rodrigo Isgró and Gerónimo Prisciantelli.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.