Pumas call on young guns for visit of Ireland

Ireland’s two-Test tour of Argentina next month looks significantly less daunting after their South American hosts revealed a squad yesterday that is devoid of their big-name players.

New coach Daniel Hourcade named just five overseas players for the visit of the Six Nations champions, following on from the approach of his predecessor Santiago Phelan who took a similar approach 12 months ago for the meetings with England.

Stuart Lancaster’s own inexperienced side duly took care of business without much trouble, but the Pumas clearly believe in the long-term benefits as they rest players for the Rugby Championship and blood youngsters before the 2015 Rugby World Cup. The five who aren’t based on home soil are Bordeaux Begles 10, Nicolas Sanchez, Oyannax full-back Lucas Gonzalez Amorosino, Castres prop Ramiro Herrara, Western Stormers second-row Manuel Carizza and Highlanders’ tighthead prop, Matias Diaz.

“The goal is the Rugby World Cup 2015 and we’re seeking to rotate the young players who are in the country so they can gain experience,” said Hourcade.

They play Ireland in Resistencia on June 7 and in Tucuman on June 14.