Felipe Contepomi will lead Argentina in their Rugby Championship opener against South Africa in Soweto this weekend in place of injured captain Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe.

35-year-old Contepomi, who has retired from European club rugby as he winds down his career, will be making his debut in the competition.

He led the Pumas in their 2-0 home series loss to England in June.

Juan Martin Hernandez, first five-eighth in Argentina’s debut championship last year, has relinquished his place to Nicolas Sanchez and lines up at fullback.

Argentina will play the Springboks at 3am Sunday while the All Blacks will play the Wallabies at 10pm Saturday in the first Rugby Championship match.


Story by: Dhanjay Deo