Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe: Missed two games with calf injury
Argentina captain Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe has been passed fit to take on New Zealand in Saturday's Rugby Championship clash in Wellington.
The loose forward was sidelined for the opening two defeats of the competition to South Africa due to a calf injury.
But Lobbe has been cleared to return to the Pumas' pack alongside flanker Pablo Matera, who was cleared of eye gouging charges during last week's 22-17 defeat to the Springboks.
Scrum-half Martin Landajo was delighted to welcome Lobbe back, and he said: "He's a leader for us. It's important for us and the younger players. When he's on the field it's much easier for us."
Juan Manuel Leguizamon will move to the back row in place of Leonardo Senatore, who was found guilty of biting in Mendoza last week and has been hit with a nine-week suspension.
Former All Blacks coach Graham Henry has also handed a start to Manuel Carizza at lock in place of Mariano Galarzo, while Santiago Fernandez has been preferred at centre over Felipe Contepomi.
Veteran Contepomi, who earned his 83rd international cap last week as he skippered the side in Lobbe's absence, has been named among the replacements.
Argentine team:
J M Hernandez, G Camacho, M Bosch, S Fernandez, H Agulla; N Sanchez, M Landajo; J M Leguizamon, P Matera, J M Fernandez Lobbe; J F Cabello, M Carizza; J Figallo, E Guinazu, M Ayerza.
Replacements: A Creevy, N Lobo, J P Orlandi, M Galarza, B Macome, T Cubelli, F Contepomi, L G Amorosino. Source : http://www1.skysports.com/rugby-union/news/12336/8904094/rugby-championship-juan-martin-fernandez-lobbe-returns-to-lead-argentina-against-all-blacks
