Argentina call on Mendez

Argentinian coach Marcelo Loffreda had a surprise at Villa Pamphili when he announced the Puma side to play Italy in Rome on Saturday.

He has called in hooker and Puma talisman Federico Méndez of Mendoza.

Méndez was originally chosen for the tour but withdrew after sustaining an injury against Australia.

But now Mario Ledesma, the back-up hooker is also injured, so Méndez made the journey up over the Atlantic to Rome.

Meanwhile, Gonzalo Camardón, who plays in Rome, comes off the bench onto the right-wing to take the place of young José María Nunez Piossek who missed the tackle on Sterling Mortlock that led to the only try of the match.

In the pack Roberto Grau also comes off the bench in the place of Mauricio Reggiardo.

Reserve hooker Juan José Villar, who earned a yellow card playing against Italy A on Tuesday night, comes into the bench in Ledesma's place.

Pablo Bouza, originally chosen against the Wallabies, and Hernán Senillosa were not considered because of injuries.

The Argentinian team: 15 Ignacio Corleto, 14 Gonzalo Camardón, 13 José Orengo, 12 Lisandro Arbizu (captain), 11 Diego Albanese, 10 Felipe Contepomi, 9 Agustín Pichot, 8 Gonzalo Longo, 7 Rolando Martín, 6 Santiago Phelan, 5 Rimas Álvarez, 4 Ignacio Fernandez Lobbe, 3 Omar Hasan, 2 Federico Méndez, 1 Roberto Grau. Replacements: J Villar, M Reggiardo, P Sporleder, M Durand, N Miranda, J Miranda, J M Piossek.