Argentina vs England predictions: Pumas can see off much-changed England
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- Argentina have beaten both South Africa and Australia in the last year
- England are set to hand debuts to at least two players
- Recommended bet: Argentina -7.5
The British and Irish Lions are taking most of the attention in rugby union circles at present, but there are also some big summer tours for the home nations this summer.
England will play the first of two Tests against Argentina on Saturday night (20:40 BST), as part of a three-match tour.
Steve Borthwick’s men, who also face the United States later this month, showed positive signs during this year’s Six Nations, but this is a big step up, especially with several key players absent.
Team News
With a host of players unavailable for selection, coach Borthwick has no other alternative but to blood some new players.
There will be two debutants in the starting XV, with Gloucester centre Seb Atkinson and Bath winger Will Muir selected.
Another new face, back-row forward Guy Pepper, will also be amongst the replacements for Saturday’s clash in La Plata.
Jamie George and George Ford have been named as England’s co-captains, in the absence of Lions skipper Maro Itoje.
In comparison, there will be plenty of experience amongst the Argentina matchday squad as the Pumas look to cement their place above England in the world rankings.
The stats
Argentina (5th) are currently one place ahead of England (6th) in the world rankings.
England have 11 players currently away with the British and Irish Lions in Australia.
The Pumas defeated Andy Farrell’s Lions 24-28 in last month’s clash in Dublin.
Prediction
England have won the last two meetings between the two sides, but the player availability and home advantage is significant this time around.
A tour of South America is a tough test at any time, but with a number of uncapped players in the squad, this looks like an uphill task for Borthwick’s men.
England’s last trip to Argentina came in 2017 and even with a stronger squad, the Red Rose only edged past their hosts by four points in the first Test.
Fresh from an impressive win over the Lions in Dublin last month, Argentina’s experience could prove crucial over the course of the two Tests between the sides.
The Pumas have won their last two internationals on home soil, beating both Australia and South Africa last year.
One of the most experienced players in the Argentina squad is winger Santiago Cordero, who has over 50 caps to his name.
The 31-year-old has 18 international tries and will be aware of where he can take advantage of England’s weaknesses, having played his club rugby in Europe for the last eight years.
