{
  "id": 18127319,
  "title": "Contepomi makes sweeping changes to Pumas line-up for Irish Test",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/04/contepomi-makes-sweeping-changes-to-pumas-line-up-for-irish-test",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-11-04T13:58:26.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Buenos Aires Times",
    "slug": "buenos-aires-times",
    "url": "https://www.batimes.com.ar/news/sports/contepomi-makes-sweeping-changes-to-pumas-line-up-for-irish-test.phtml"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Argentina's coach Felipe Contepomi announced a major roster overhaul for his team's upcoming match against Ireland on Friday, dismissing the starting lineup that drew 28-28 with Australia in September. Contepomi, who previously played for Leinster from 2003-2009, retained only prop Boris Wenger and forwards Guido Petti and Pablo Matera from the previous game. The only new face for Argentina is fullback Juan Cruz Mallia, who has not played for the side in nearly a year after suffering a knee ligament injury. Contepomi's team aims to become the first Pumas side to defeat Ireland in Dublin, marking a significant milestone in their World Cup aspirations. The coach emphasized the need for discipline and reduced unforced errors, as well as a more polished performance, given that Argentina is preparing to face Italy and France in the following Tests. Contepomi, now 49, qualified as a doctor while in Ireland and sees the upcoming matches as a crucial test of the team's readiness for the World Cup. Ireland's coach Andy Farrell, who defeated Contepomi in Dublin when the Pumas beat the Lions in 2025, will name his team later on Wednesday. Both nations are currently ranked fourth in their respective hemispheres, with the finals scheduled for Twickenham at the end of the month.",
  "summary": "Argentina coach Felipe Contepomi makes 12 changes to the starting line-up for Friday's Nations Championship match with Ireland in Dublin from the one that drew with Australia in September. Leer más",
  "key_points": [
    "Contepomi revamps Pumas lineup for Ireland match.",
    "Retains only Wenger, Petti, and Matera from previous game.",
    "Adds fullback Juan Cruz Mallia to Argentina team."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}