Rugby World Cup 2023 is rapidly approaching, with just over two weeks until the opening game. Rugby.com.au examines every team's chances in France, looking at Argentina.
Argentina have flown under the radar and are looking to surprise fans and pundits alike in 2023.
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They have been revitalised under coach Michael Cheika, playing an exciting brand of Rugby.
Los Pumas are traditionally strong performers at the World Cup, making the semis twice in the past four tournaments.
They will fancy themselves for a third appearance in a wide open Pool D.
Finished third in the 2019 RWC Pool
Argentina have steadily built form since the appointment of Michael Cheika.
They finished their 2022 with a narrow win over England before losses to Wales and Scotland.
The 2023 season started with a thumping defeat to New Zealand before rebounding with a last-minute winner against the Wallabies.
Two competitive losses to the Springboks have followed, where the Pumas showed they can match it with any team on their day
Backs: Gonzalo Bertranou, Lautaro Bazan Velez, Tomas Cubelli, Santiago Carreras, Nicolas Sanchez, Santiago Chocobares, Lucio Cinti, Jeronimo de la Fuente, Matias Moroni, Emiliano Boffelli, Juan Cruz Mallia, Mateo Carreras, Juan Imhoff, Rodrigo Isgro, Martin Bogado.
Forwards: Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro, Francisco Gomez Kodela, Joel Sclavi, Thomas Gallo, Eduardo Bello, Julian Montoya, Agustin Creevy, Ignacio Ruiz, Matias Alemanno, Tomas Lavanini, Guido Petti, Facundo Isa, Pablo Matera, Juan Martin Gonzalez, Santiago Grondona, Marcos Kremer, Rodrigo Bruni, Pedro Rubiolo
X-Factor
Pablo Matera is the heart and soul of Argentinian Rugby.
Matera is one of the finest leaders Rugby has and his presence makes the team stand taller with his physical, ferocious approach to the game.
He enters this World Cup a more well-rounded player after stints with the Crusaders and in Japan.
At 30, Matera could be set to play in his last World Cup, which will only further fuel Argentina’s fire.
Juan Martin Gonzalez leads the next generation of Pumas back-rower set to dominate World Rugby.
The 22-year-old was originally spotted in the lead-up to the 2018 Youth Olympics in the Sevens program, going on to lead them to the Gold Medal.
Since then, Gonzalez has slowly made a name for himself in the 15-a-side format, scoring on debut against Romania before crossing for the match-winner against the Wallabies in Sydney.
He was recently picked up by English giants Saracens, looking to show the club what to expect in 2024.
Played: 41
Wins: 21
Loses: 20
Best Finish: Third (2007)
2019: Group Stages 2015: Fourth
2011: Quarter Finals
2007: Third
2003: Group Stages
The opening clash between Argentina and England will likely prove pivotal in deciding Pool D.
Either team will be under pressure to perform if they can’t manage victory, with Los Pumas backing up against Samoa in their following pool game.
The Pumas have the physiological advantage following their one-point win in 2022, although England were comfortable 39-10 winners in their corresponding World Cup match in 2019.
No Owen Farrell and Billy Vunipola only increases their chance of victory
Fixtures
Sun Sep 10 (5:00 AM): England v Argentina, Stade Vélodrome, Marseille
Sat Sep 23 (1:45 AM): Argentina v Samoa, Stade Geoffroy Guichard, Saint-Étienne
Sat Sep 30 (11:00 PM): Argentina v Chile, Stade de la Beaujoire, Nantes
Sun Oct 8 (10:00 PM): Japan v Argentina, Stade de la Beaujoire, Nantes
