Johannesburg – Prop Rodrigo Roncero will start for Argentina in the Pumas' four-nations Rugby Championship opener against South Africa in Cape Town, the Argentine Rugby Federation said Tuesday.
Former Stade Francais veteran Roncero, 35, will be winning his 50th cap as he looks to bring down the curtain on his career with this tournament.
Ten of the starters played in the World Cup quarter-final loss to New Zealand and eight play in France's Top 14 league.
Racing-Metro fly half Juan Martin Hernandez, who missed the World Cup through injury, will be back as will third rower Juan Fernandez Lobbe, who succeeds dropped Felipe Contepomi as skipper.
Argentina, making their debut in the Southern Hemisphere tournament formerly known as the Tri-Nations, will then go up against Australia and New Zealand.
Argentina team to play South Africa at Newlands in Cape Town Saturday in first round of inaugural Rugby Championship (formerly Tri-Nations):
Team (15-1)
Lucas Gonzalez Amorosino; Gonzalo Camacho, Marcelo Bosch, Santiago Fernandez, Horacio Agulla; Juan Martin Hernandez, Nicolas Vergallo; Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe (capt), Alvaro Galindo, Julio Farias Cabello; Patricio Albacete, Manuel Carizza; Juan Figallo, Eusebio Guinazu, Rodrigo Roncero
Replacements: Bruno Postiglioni, Marcos Ayerza, Juan Pablo Orlandi, Tomas Leonardi, Leonardo Senatore, Martin Landajo, Martin Rodriguez
Coach: Santiago Phelan – Sapa-AFP