England vs Argentina team news: Nicolas Sanchez dropped with Agustin Creevy left on bench for Pumas
Fly-half is left out of the squad for the first time since 2016 as head coach Mario Ledesma springs a surprise with his team for their must-win clash against England
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Nicolas Sanchez has been left out of the Argentina side to face England this Saturday, the first time that the Pumas have been without the fly-half for a meaningful game since 2016.
Benjamin Urdapilleta will start at No 10, with the former Harlequins out-half now of Castres selected in favour of Sanchez, who has not missed a Rugby Championship or Rugby World Cup match for the last three years.
With Sanchez absent, natural centre Lucas Mensa will provide cover for Urdapilleta, despite winning just one previous cap for Argentina.
Head coach Mario Ledesma has also chosen to leave former captain Agustin Creevy among the replacements, with hooker Julian Montoya rewarded for his 26-minute hat-trick in last week’s victory over Tonga by retaining the No 2 shirt.
Creevy is set to become the most-capped player in Argentinian history if he comes off the bench on Saturday, with the Jaguares forward poised for his 88th appearance to overtake the previous record held by former fly-half Felipe Contepomi.
Ledesma only makes one change to the side that defeated the Pacific Islanders 28-12, with Javier Ortega Desio returning at No 8 in favour of Tomas Lezana, who drops to the bench.
Saracens prop Juan Figallo will start against England, as will new Leicester Tigers signing Guido Petti in the second row.
The Pumas know that defeat against England will all but seal their World Cup exit at the pool stage – something they have not experienced since 2003 – should France beat Tonga on Sunday.
Agentina team to face England
Emiliano Boffelli; Matias Moroni, Matias Orlando, Jeronimo de la Fuente, Santigo Carreras; Benjamin Urdapilleta, Tomas Cubelli; Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro, Julian Montoya, Juan Figallo; Guido Petti, Tomas Lavanini; Pablo Matera, Marcos Kremer, Javier Ortega Desio.
Replacements: Agustin Creevy, Mayco Vivas, Santiago Medrano, Matias Alemanno, Tomas Lezana, Felipe Ezcurra, Lucas Mensa, Bautista Delguy.
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