Argentina lock Guido Petti will become the latest player to join the country’s rugby centurion club when he makes his 100th international appearance against Wales in the Nations Championship this weekend in San Juan.
The Argentine Rugby Union confirmed on Thursday that the Harlequins forward will start in the second row for Los Pumas, reaching the landmark after making his Test debut in 2014.
Petti becomes the sixth Argentina player to achieve 100 caps, following in the footsteps of his second-row partner Matias Alemanno, who reached the milestone during Argentina’s opening Nations Championship match against Scotland in Cordoba last week.
The 31-year-old has built an impressive international career since breaking into the national team more than a decade ago. After coming through the San Isidro rugby system in Buenos Aires, Petti represented the Jaguares in Super Rugby before moving to French club Bordeaux-Begles and later joining English Premiership side Harlequins.
Argentina captain Julian Montoya praised Petti’s influence both on and off the field, describing him as a key member of the squad.
“He’s a very authentic person, very committed, very loved by the whole squad,” Montoya told reporters after the team announcement.
Petti’s milestone comes as Argentina look to recover from their opening defeat against Scotland and build momentum in the Nations Championship campaign.
Argentina Make Five Changes for Wales Clash
Head coach Felipe Contepomi has made five changes to the starting lineup for Saturday’s meeting with Wales, with adjustments aimed at increasing intensity and mobility across the team.
Props Boris Wenger and Tomas Rapetti have been brought into the front row, while Mayco Vivas moves to the replacements bench. Pedro Delgado misses out on the matchday squad.
In the back row, Marcos Kremer replaces co-captain Pablo Matera at openside flanker, while centre Justo Piccardo and winger Bautista Delguy come into the starting XV in place of Faustino Sanchez Valarolo and Rodrigo Isgro.
Contepomi said the changes were designed to improve the team’s pace and balance.
“We wanted to bring more speed in the front row,” the Argentina coach told reporters.
“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.”
The former Argentina international added that the team remained confident in their selection decisions despite the changes.
“I think we’re already confident in our choice,” Contepomi said.
Argentina’s starting lineup features experienced players including captain Julian Montoya, Matias Alemanno and Santiago Carreras, with Petti expected to play a crucial role in controlling the set-piece battle against Wales.
Wales Name Rees-Zammit on Bench as Tandy Makes Changes
Wales head coach Steve Tandy has also made changes following their victory over Fiji last weekend, with star winger Louis Rees-Zammit named among the replacements.
Ellis Mee takes Rees-Zammit’s place in the starting lineup, while Sam Costelow has been handed the No. 10 jersey after Dan Edwards was left out of the matchday squad.
James Botham replaces Alex Mann at blindside flanker in the other change to the Welsh starting XV.
The match could also see Kane James make his international debut after the former England Under-20 back-row forward was named on the bench.
Tandy praised James’ consistency and performances leading into his possible first Test appearance.
“I’m really happy for him,” Tandy said.
“There’s no need to talk much about him as a player, his consistency has been tremendous, he’s played a lot and wherever he’s played he’s always performed well and represented us very well.”
Tandy added that although James does not seek attention, his achievement would be a proud moment for his family and club.
“He’s not someone who loves tributes, but I’m sure his family, his club, will be very proud,” he said.
Argentina and Wales Prepare for Key Nations Championship Test
The Nations Championship fixture in San Juan represents an important opportunity for both teams as they continue developing their squads in the international rugby calendar.
Argentina will rely on the experience of players such as Petti and Montoya as they attempt to bounce back from their defeat against Scotland.
For Wales, the match provides another chance to continue their progress after securing a positive result against Fiji and testing younger players ahead of future competitions.
With Petti reaching a historic milestone and both teams making tactical adjustments, the clash promises to be a significant encounter in the early stages of the tournament.
