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Pablo Matera returns from ban as Argentina change 3 for Ireland

Pablo Matera of Argentina looks on during The Rugby Championship match between New Zealand All Blacks and Argentina at Eden Park on August 17, 2024 in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)

Argentina’s 107-cap flanker Pablo Matera has returned to their starting line-up to face Ireland on Friday at the Aviva Stadium after serving a two-week ban.

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The 31-year-old missed last week’s 18-50 triumph over Italy in Udine after receiving a red card in the Pumas’ final match of The Rugby Championship against South Africa.

The former captain is one of three changes to Felipe Contepomi’s side, who will take on an Ireland outfit fresh from a 13-23 loss to the All Blacks at home.

Video Spacer

The 20-min red card explained by referee Karl Dickson

Referee Karl Dickson explains the 20-min red card system that is in place during the Autumn Nations Series.

Video Spacer

The 20-min red card explained by referee Karl Dickson

Referee Karl Dickson explains the 20-min red card system that is in place during the Autumn Nations Series.

Another veteran, lock Guido Petti, has returned to the starting XV to partner Pedro Rubiolo in the second-row, with Exeter Chiefs’ latest signing Franco Molina dropping to the bench.

There is one change in the back line with Matias Moroni moving up from the bench last week to start at inside centre, with Matias Orlando out of the squad completely. Pampas’ 22-year-old centre Justo Piccardo has been named as a replacement in what could be his first appearance for the Pumas.

Fixture
Internationals
Ireland
15:10
15 Nov 24
Argentina
All Stats and Data

Argentina XV
1. Thomas Gallo (33 caps)
2. Julián Montoya (103 caps) captain
3. Joel Sclavi (25 caps)
4. Guido Petti (85 caps)
5. Pedro Rubiolo (18 caps)
6. Pablo Matera (107 caps) vice-captain
7. Juan Martín González (38 caps)
8. Joaquín Oviedo (11 caps)
9. Gonzalo Bertranou (66 caps)
10. Tomás Albornoz (15 caps)
11. Bautista Delguy (31 caps)
12. Matías Moroni (87 caps)
13. Lucio Cinti (30 caps)
14. Rodrigo Isgró (5 caps)
15. Juan Cruz Mallía (40 caps) vice-captain

Replacements
16. Ignacio Ruiz (16 caps)
17. Ignacio Calles (6 caps)
18. Francisco Gómez Kodela (39 caps)
19. Franco Molina (10 caps)
20. Santiago Grondona (19 caps)
21. Gonzalo García (9 caps)
22. Santiago Carreras (51 caps)
23. Justo Piccardo (uncapped)

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Red and White Dynamight 21 hours ago

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Hellhound 14 minutes ago
Forget Ireland, the All Blacks face the real alpha of Europe next

I'm no fan of Du Point, but I am not blind. I will go as far as agree to disagree. Without him the French wouldn't nearly have been so good. He has made game saving tackles, he has steered the French to victory in most of his games. He creates try assists that should not have been.


His kicking is very accurate, and if he was a Bok, he would be in the team. Roigard is very good, but he is no Du Point. He is a generational talent. You dislike him BECAUSE everyone is so hyped about him, NOT because he is a very good player.


It's the same with me. It irritates me, but I am not blind. ANYONE saying he isn't good, is definitely lying to themselves. Do yourself a favour. Go and look at highlights about him on YouTube or somewhere. Really have a look. Without prejudice.


He isn't as lucky as other players to have the kind of players like SA and NZ have, although currently the French forwards is the biggest on the planet. To my shame I must admit that every game I see him play, I hope someone injures him which is very very wrong. It's just that he is THAT GOOD. There is no other players that I ever wished for that, because they are just not in his class.


No, stop lying to yourself. Go look at his stats. He is responsible for at least 60%-70% of the French score every game. Creating tries, scoring himself or assist, pin point kicking, creating gaps, tackles like a machine, slippery as hell and always tries to dominate a ref which is starting to count against him, but don't be fooled. I haven't even mentioned half of what he does. He inspires that team in a way other players can never do.


There is no other scrumhalf in the world like him, and there will never be again. I hate the French and I hate Du Point, but there is no denying his talent. If he played for your team, you would have raved and absolutely loved him. That is not to say Roigard isn't good. He is very good too.

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