Rugby World Cup – Argentina profile: Full squad, head coach, key player, prediction and odds

Argentina were the surprise package at the last 2015 World Cup, catching the eye with a number of entertaining performances on their way to the semi-finals.

They will not be underestimated this time around. Their free-flowing ambition married nicely with more traditional forward grunt four years ago, and it is a similarly-built squad assembled for Japan.

It was not a squad naming without surprises, not least the absences of Facundo Isa and Santiago Cordero. The France-based pair both possess game-breaking qualities (Isa as a physical and dynamic carrier; Cordero with salsa footwork in open spaces) but have lost out to less familiar names playing in South America, despite the board reversing their decision to exclude those not playing in Argentina.

That reversal allows head coach Mario Ledesma to call upon gnarly tighthead Juan Figallo and silky playmaking pair Nicolas Sanchez and Benjamin Urdapilleta, who will compete for the ten jersey. Emiliano Boffelli’s long-range prowess from the tee may also come in handy regardless of whether the versatile Jaguares man starts on the wing or at full-back.

Former captain Agustin Creevy remains a stout hooker, and if the second and back rows find chemistry and keep their discipline (new leader Pablo Matera will be crucial in keeping heads cool), Argentina can match their result from the last World Cup. Having run each of New Zealand, Australia and South Africa very close in the truncated Rugby Championship this year, Argentina are favourites for second place in Pool C and may even challenge England for top spot.

Forwards: Nahuel Tetaz Chapparo, Mayco Vivas, Agustin Creevy, Julian Montoya, Santiago Socino, Juan Figallo, Santiago Medrano, Enrique Pieretto, Guido Petti, Tomas Lavanini, Matias Alemanno, Pablo Matera, Tomas Lezana, Javier Ortega Desio, Marcos Kremer, Rodrigo Bruni, Juan Manuel Leguizamon.

Backs: Tomas Cubelli, Felipe Ezcurra, Nicolas Sanchez, Benjamin Urdapilleta, Jeronimo de la Fuente, Matias Orlando, Matias Moroni, Lucas Mensa, Juan Cruz Mallia, Ramiro Moyano, Bautista Delguy, Emiliano Boffelli, Joaquin Tuculet.

Mario Ledesma. A legend of Argentinean rugby, Ledesma appeared in four World Cups as a player, including a pivotal role in his side’s third-placed finish in 2007. Ledesma drew praise for his first international coaching foray, helping to guide Australia to the final four years ago as forwards coach, and Argentina will hope to draw on his previous tournament successes in Japan.

The 46-year-old has only been head coach since last summer, but Argentina have shown signs of improvement in his tenure. While eyebrows were raised at a couple of high-profile omissions from the squad, Ledesma has largely kept faith in an Argentina-based squad which he knows rather well after coaching the Jaguares for a season, and that cohesion should aid their efforts at the World Cup.

Pablo Matera. Matera always had the potential to be one of the world’s best back-rowers, with athleticism, strength and ability to thrive in spaces both open and tight. He arrived at Leicester too young in 2013 and never truly settled in England, but since returning to Argentina he has begun to fulfil his promise, and a big money move to Stade Francais beckons.

Still only 26, Matera has become Argentina captain in the last year or so, and while former leader Agustin Creevy remains to guide, he will need to be a totem for his side in Japan. With Facundo Isa omitted, Matera will have a key role as a ball-carrier and defensive linchpin.

Quarter-finalists, finishing behind England in the group but beating France, Tonga and the USA. Exit to either Australia or Wales.

Argentina to win the World Cup: 40/1