England will face Argentina in La Plata on Saturday in the first match of a two-Test tour. The Red Roses and Los Pumas travel to San Juan for the second Test next weekend, before England stops at Audi Field in Washington, DC, to face the USA on their way back across the pond.
Argentina VS England Venue: Estadio Jorge Luis Hirschi, La Plata
Argentina VS England Date: Saturday, July 5
BetXchange Argentina VS England Odds:
History
Historically, this fixture has been dominated by England. Argentina has never won a series against the founders of rugby, but many think this could be the year that Argentina can best its bitter foe.
Argentina is ranked No. 5 in the world, while England is one place below in sixth. This is an anomaly in the series history, with England almost always coming into Test matches between the two nations as the higher-ranked. They are also typically heavy favorites.
There are several reasons for this change in dynamics. The most obvious is that this England squad is far from full strength. Thirteen potential starters are on tour in Australia with the British and Irish Lions, with the likes of back rower Tom Curry, starting pivot Finn Smith, and captain Maro Itoje all missing this series.
Another reason is that this Argentina team just turned over the same Lions team in Dublin for a famous victory. Los Pumas took down the squad assembled from the best that the Home Nations have to offer, 28-24, relying on their cohesion, skill, and flair to produce a famous win.
Argentina
Argentina will make several changes from the team that beat the Lions. This is due to head coach Felipe Contepomi’s policy on rest and squad management, which is especially important with the 2025 Rugby Championship kicking off in mid-August.
Notable omissions include the halfback pairing of Tomas Albornoz and Gonzalo Garcia, who tormented the Lions with their ability to provide quick ball to the backline. Other players missing include star backrower Marcos Kremer and prop Joel Sclavi.
Better news for Los Pumas includes notable additions. Facundo Isa, Lautaro Simes, Francisco Gomez Kodela, and Thomas Gallo all return and are in contention for starting spots.
England
The lack of star names means this is a youthful, fresh, and exciting England contingent. The last time England toured Argentina was also during a Lions campaign. The 2017 visit to South America saw Curry and Sam Underhill’s debuts, with the flankers playing massive roles in England’s run to the Rugby World Cup final two years later.
Seb Atkinson is one player to watch for. The Gloucester center has more gain line plus carries than any player in the Premiership other than Sarries No. 8 Tom Willis this season. He also plays at a position with little depth for England, so the 23-year-old could play himself into the shirt permanently with a good series here.
At the other end of the scale, veteran fly-half George Ford – a player unlucky not to be with the Lions – makes his 100th cap for England on Saturday.
Best Bets
Can Argentina function as the favorites?
This team thrives on being the underdog, with players wrapping themselves up in national pride to complement their outstanding skill sets. This is how it was last time out against the Lions, but the pressure will be very different on Saturday.
Argentina is installed as favorites by more than a converted try. They are expected to win, which completely changes the dynamics of how Los Pumas have reached this level.
Argentina haven’t won three in a row at home since 2010-12. I like them to do enough to get over the line here, but with England to cover.
