Overview

• After an 11-year absence, Los Pumas return to Estadio Mario Alberto Kempes to face New Zealand in the first official Test between the teams in Córdoba.
• Felipe Contepomi confirmed a 23-man squad and starting XV that feature surprise picks—including Bautista Delguy, Franco Molina and Pedro Delgado—following a July rest period for key players.
• Winger Bautista Bernasconi’s late injury saw development player Leonel Oviedo added to the match-day squad and prop Boris Wenger made available for selection.
• The Rugby Championship opener kicks off at 18:10 local time with roughly 57,000 tickets sold, marking a near-capacity crowd at the Kempes.
• Disney+ and ESPN will broadcast the match, which organizers project will draw sizable international audiences and boost Córdoba’s local economy.