FILE PHOTO: Rugby Union - International - Scotland v Argentina - Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh, Scotland, Britain - November 19, 2022 Argentina's Emiliano Boffelli prepares to convert their third try REUTERS/Russell Cheyne/File Photo
(Reuters) - Emiliano Boffelli has returned to the Argentina starting XV for their Rugby World Cup warm-up against South Africa in Buenos Aires on Saturday, but will play on the wing as one of five changes made by coach Michael Cheika.
Argentina were unfortunate to lose 22-21 when the teams met in Johannesburg last weekend as they dominated possession and matched the home side physically, but were unable to finish off their numerous entries into the Springboks' 22 metre line.
Cheika has kept largely the same forward pack, replacing only injured lock Lucas Paulos with Pedro Rubiolo in the number four jersey.
The other four changes are all in the backline.
Fullback Juan Cruz Mallia has been cited for a dangerous piece of play, having clattered into the head of Bok scrumhalf Grant Williams after only 11 seconds last week in an attempt to charge down a kick.
The outcome of that hearing has not been released by officials, but Mallia has not been included in the matchday 23.
He has been replaced at fullback by Martin Bogado, with Boffelli coming in on the wing in the place of Mateo Carreras.
Boffelli’s return boosts the home side’s goal-kicking, with flyhalf Santiago Carreras missing three relatively simple shots at goal last week that proved very costly.
Santiago Cordero replaces Juan Imhoff on the other wing, while the final change sees Gonzalo Bertranou come in at scrumhalf for Lautaro Bazan Velez.
Hooker Augustin Creevy could be the first Argentine player to reach 100 caps if he comes off the replacement's bench.
Argentina team:
15-Martin Bogado, 14-Emiliano Boffelli, 13-Lucio Cinti, 12-Santiago Chocobares, 11-Santiago Cordero, 10-Santiago Carreras, 9-Gonzalo Bertranou, 8-Juan Martin Gonzalez, 7-Santiago Grondona, 6-Pablo Matera, 5-Tomas Lavanini, 4-Pedro Rubiolo, 3-Francisco Gomez Kodela, 2-Julian Montoya (captain), 1-Thomas Gallo
Replacements: 16-Augustin Creevy, 17-Joel Sclavi, 18-Eduardo Bello, 19-Guido Petti, 20-Facundo Isa, 21-Lautaro Bazan Velez, 22-Tomas Albornoz, 23-Matias Moroni.
(Reporting by Nick Said; Editing by Andrew Cawthorne)
