With the exception of Petti in place of Alemanno in the 2nd line, it is exactly the same fifteen who played the match against England in Marseille for a failed entry into the competition (27-10 defeat). We thus find in the center Lucio Cinti with a more offensive profile than Matias Moroni and a pack of solid forwards with Lavanini, Petti, Kremer and Matera. Note that Michael Cheika has decided to put three three-quarters on the bench (Bazan Velez, Sanchez and Moroni), against only two against the English, the 3rd line Rodrigo Bruni paying the price for this tactical reorganization and will be absent from the match sheet.
Several Argentine media were calling for Nicolas Sanchez to start at fly-half and Santiago Carreras to be placed at full-back. But Michael Cheika did not wish to change his organization for this authentic “round of 16” against Japan. Argentina and Japan both have nine points in the standings. Sunday at La Beaujoire, in the event of a victory or draw, the South Americans would find themselves in the quarterfinals, probably against Wales.
Titulaires: Mallia – Boffelli, Cinti, Chocobares, M. Carreras – (o) S. Carreras, (m) Betranou – Kremer, Gonzalez, Matera – Lavanini, Petti – Gomez Kodela, Montoya (cap.), Gallo
Replacements: Creevy, Sclavi, Bello, Alemanno, Rubiolo, Bazan Velez, Sanchez, Moroni