Pablo Matera to Lead Argentina Against New Zealand in Rugby Championship Opener

Pablo Matera will captain Argentina in their Rugby Championship opener against New Zealand after Julian Montoya was sidelined. Montoya is recovering from a rib injury sustained in their victory over France. Three previously rested players, including Juan Martín Gonzalez, have returned to the starting line-up.

Pablo Matera will captain Argentina in Saturday's Rugby Championship opener against New Zealand in Wellington, following the exclusion of Julian Montoya from the selection by coach Felipe Contepomi. Montoya, who injured his ribs last month during a victory over France, will be replaced by Ignacio Ruiz, with veteran former skipper Agustín Creevy named as the backup hooker.

Montoya traveled with the squad and may play in their subsequent match against the All Blacks at Eden Park in Auckland on August 17. Three players who were rested for last month's series against France and a one-off game against Uruguay are back in the starting line-up, including Juan Martín Gonzalez, Juan Cruz Mallia, and Lucio Cinti.

Additionally, three returning players, Joel Sclavi, Tomas Lavanini, and Agustín Creevy, are among the replacements. Lock Efrain Elias, the only uncapped player who traveled to New Zealand, has been included among the substitutes and is poised for his first test appearance following his rapid promotion from Argentina's under-20 team.

(With inputs from agencies.)