Pumas Stalk the Roses: England vs Argentina

The collisions on the hallowed turf of Twickenham are sure to be fierce on Saturday as Los Pumas square off against the English for the first time since World Cup 2019.

Los Pumas will be up against it with yet another strong England team at the helm of their home crowd.
 

Owen Farrell will captain the side at inside centre.  Manu Tuilagi returns at outside centre, Marcus Smith is at fly half and Ben Youngs is scrum half.

Vice-captain Jack Nowell is on the right wing, Joe Cokanasiga is on the left wing and Freddie Steward is full back.

There is an England debut for Alex Coles at lock, with Jonny Hill alongside.  Vice-captain Ellis Genge (loose-head prop) and Kyle Sinckler (tight-head prop) join hooker Luke Cowan-Dickie in the front row.

Maro Itoje and Tom Curry are named as flankers and Billy Vunipola is No. 8.

David Ribbans is also in line to make his England debut after being named as a finisher, alongside Jack Singleton who could make his first England appearance since 2019.

Mako Vunipola, Joe Heyes, Sam Simmonds, Jack Willis, Jack van Poortvliet and Henry Slade complete the 23.

Eddie Jones said: “It’s been a really good week of preparation and I’ve been very pleased with the squad’s attitude.

“They’ve shown real work ethic and a determination to improve and our leaders, Owen, Ellis and Jack have really lifted the team.

“We’re looking forward to a great game of rugby at a full Twickenham Stadium against a very good Argentina side.  It’s been a tough time for rugby lately and we hope that these autumn games show just what a special game it is.”

A look at the last time the teams locked horns:

The above was an emotional occasion for the Pumas as it signalled the end of their World Cup in unflattering style. However, Sunday sees a new opportunity for them to win back pride against a team with whom they have cultivated an enticing rivalry over the years. The English pack, particularly, will need to be on their toes in order to neutralise what is a set of Pumas forwards heavily characterised by power and ferocity.