Michael Cheika has made only a single change to his starting Argentina side for the Rugby World Cup semi-final against New Zealand - recalling Dragons RFC scrum half Gonzalo Bertranou.
Bertranou replaces Santiago Cubelli at scrum half, with last week’s starting nine dropping out of the 23 entirely. Otherwise, the rest of the matchday 23 is identical to that utilised in the quarter-final win over Wales in Marseille, with replacement hooker Agustin Creevy in line to become the oldest World Cup semi-finalist of all-time.
Argentina have only beaten the All Blacks twice in their history, but both of those victories came in the last three years.
Cheika is confident his side can shock the three-time world champions.
“We know what a challenge New Zealand represent,” said Cheika, who is hoping to make a second World Cup final after guiding Australia to the showpiece game eight years ago.
“The All Blacks have always been a benchmark in rugby. We are happy to be here and we know the challenges are getting harder and harder.
“When you look at the history, it’s not in our favour. But it is down to us to change that on Friday. We will be ready and when we get on the field, we will do what we do best.”
Argentina: Juan Cruz Mallia, Emiliano Boffelli, Lucio Cinti, Santiago Chocobares, Mateo Carreras, Santiago Carreras, Gonzalo Bertranou; Thomas Gallo, Julián Montoya (capt), Francisco Gómez Kodela, Guido Petti, Tomas Lavanini, Juan Martin Gonzalez, Marcos Kremer, Facundo Isa.
Replacements: Agustín Creevy, Joel Sclavi, Eduardo Bello, Matias Alemanno, Rodrigo Bruni; Lautaro Bazan Velez, Nicolas Sanchez, Matías Moroni.
