Argentina lock Guido Petti will make history this weekend when he becomes the sixth player to reach 100 Test appearances for the Pumas during their Nations Championship clash against Wales in San Juan.
The Harlequins forward was named in Argentina’s starting lineup by head coach Felipe Contepomi, marking a major milestone in a career that began with his international debut in 2014.
Petti, 31, joins an exclusive group of Argentine rugby players to have reached the century mark, following second-row partner Matias Alemanno, who achieved the milestone during Argentina’s opening Nations Championship defeat against Scotland in Cordoba last week.
The veteran lock developed through Buenos Aires club San Isidro before establishing himself at international level with Argentina. He has also played professionally for the Jaguares in Super Rugby, French club Bordeaux-Begles and English Premiership side Harlequins.
Argentina captain Julian Montoya praised Petti’s consistency and contribution to the national team, describing him as a player who has always delivered wherever he has played.
“He’s a very authentic person, very committed, very loved by the whole squad,” Montoya said after the team announcement.
Montoya added that Petti’s performances over the years had earned him the respect of teammates, clubs and supporters.
For the match against Wales, Contepomi has made five changes to the side that lost to Scotland, with the coaching staff looking for more energy and speed in key areas.
Props Boris Wenger and Tomas Rapetti have been brought into the front row, while Mayco Vivas moves to the replacements bench and Pedro Delgado misses out on selection.
Marcos Kremer replaces co-captain Pablo Matera at openside flanker, while Justo Piccardo and Bautista Delguy come into the backline in place of Faustino Sanchez Valarolo and Rodrigo Isgro.
Contepomi said the changes were designed to provide greater pace and balance throughout the team.
“We wanted to bring more speed in the front row,” the former Argentina international told reporters.
READ MORE: Guido Petti Set for Argentina 100th Cap Against Wales
He added that strong internal competition among players had helped create selection challenges for the coaching staff.
“What we have is internal competition in each unit, with players who come through together in pairs, and we believe this is the best combination for this game,” Contepomi said.
Wales will also enter the match with changes to their lineup following their victory over Fiji last weekend.
Head coach Steve Tandy has selected Ellis Mee to start on the wing, with Louis Rees-Zammit named among the replacements.
Tandy said Rees-Zammit’s impact could be valuable late in the match when defensive structures begin to open up.
“Zam coming off the bench where the game starts to break up even more is an exciting opportunity for us to see him in that role,” Tandy said.
Wales have also changed their half-back and back-row selections, with Sam Costelow taking the number 10 jersey while James Botham replaces Alex Mann at blindside flanker.
Kane James, a former England under-20 back-row player, could make his senior international debut after being named among the replacements.
Tandy praised the 21-year-old’s attitude and ability to quickly adapt to the national squad environment.
“He’s a fearless young man,” Tandy said.
“He’s ripped straight in, fitted into the group environment, I’m excited to see him go on the weekend.”
The Argentina team will be led by captain Julian Montoya, with a strong lineup featuring experienced internationals including Santiago Carreras, Tomas Albornoz, Matias Alemanno and Guido Petti.
Wales will rely on key figures such as captain Dewi Lake, Aaron Wainwright, Jac Morgan, Adam Beard and Josh Adams as they look to build momentum in the competition.
The Nations Championship encounter is expected to provide another important test for both teams as they continue preparations and development ahead of future international challenges.
For Argentina, the occasion will centre around Petti’s historic achievement, while Wales will aim to spoil the celebration by securing another positive result on the road.