BUENOS AIRES - Argentina coach Felipe Contepomi kept faith Thursday with the same side that narrowly lost to world champions South Africa for the clash this weekend against Australia.
The Pumas went down 17-10 in a tense one-off Test in Buenos Aires three weeks ago, and with no injuries, an unchanged starting XV was named for the match on Saturday in Jujuy.
Experienced flanker Pablo Matera again captains the side with regular skipper Julian Montoya unavailable.
Montoya is one of several senior players not considered due to club commitments. That group also includes Mateo Carreras, Santiago Chocobares, and Marcos Kremer.
Meanwhile, Wallabies coach Les Kiss named an entirely different forward pack as he continues his policy of rotation, with Harry Wilson rested and prop Allan Alaalatoa captaining the side.
He retained the same backline that ran out in Townsville, but changed all the forwards with regular skipper Wilson given the week off.
"As coaches, we've needed to consider how we manage a long season for players while also providing Test experience in important positions," said Kiss.
"At the same time, we've selected a team that has lots of experience and proven combinations for what's going to be another tough challenge, taking on Argentina on their home turf -- we'll need to be at our best."
If Australia win this weekend, they will climb above Argentina into seventh in the world rankings.
- AFP