Julian Montoya to Lead Argentina in Historic Rugby Championship Test

Argentina captain Julian Montoya has recovered from injury and will lead the Pumas against the All Blacks in the Rugby Championship test. Coach Felipe Contepomi has made strategic changes to the team, including promoting Joaquin Oviedo from the bench. The All Blacks remain unbeaten at their Eden Park fortress since 1994.

Argentina's captain Julian Montoya is back from injury and gears up to lead the Pumas in a crucial Rugby Championship test against the All Blacks, aiming for back-to-back victories. Montoya missed last weekend's 38-30 win over New Zealand due to a rib injury but will start in place of Ignacio Ruiz in Auckland.

The All Blacks, unbeaten in 51 tests at Eden Park since 1994, present a formidable challenge. Coach Felipe Contepomi's squad selection reflects strategic choices, with no room for sentiment. Ruiz will serve as replacement hooker, leaving Agustin Creevy, the 39-year-old who scored last week's winning try, out of the squad.

Contepomi has restructured his pack, promoting Joaquin Oviedo to start at number eight. Juan Martin Gonzalez shifts to openside flanker, and Marcos Kremer moves into the second row with Pedro Rubiolo. Franco Molina has been relegated to the bench, joined by fresh backs Bautista Delguy and Tomas Albornoz.