Buenos Aires – The Super Rugby Americas competition heads into its third matchday this weekend with a compelling clash at the Club Atlético de San Isidro (CASI) as Pampas XV host Capibaras XV. While Capibaras arrive on a winning streak, having secured victories against Peñarol and Cobras Brasil Rugby, Pampas will be looking to rebound from a narrow defeat against rivals Dogos XV. The match, scheduled for Friday, promises a spirited encounter, broadcast live on ESPN and Disney+.
The fixture carries added weight for Pampas, not only as a chance to regain momentum in the tournament but also as the stage for the highly anticipated return of Santiago Cordero. The experienced winger, recovering from a left ankle injury sustained over four months ago while playing for Bella Vista Regatas, is set to make his Super Rugby Americas debut. Cordero expressed his excitement, stating, “I am particularly happy, it has been four and a half months since my last game so I am very happy and waiting for tomorrow to arrive. We hope to have a very good game, win and be able to celebrate with the team and my family.” He also emphasized the positive mindset that helped him through his rehabilitation, adding, “It was a bit tough, at a time of the year when I didn’t expect to be injured. I put my head into it and tried to be as positive as possible to recover well and even more so now that I have the possibility of playing in Pampas. I’m happy.”
Pampas Seek Redemption After Dogos Defeat
Pampas suffered a heartbreaking 36-34 loss to Dogos XV in their previous outing, a result that saw their rivals extend their dominance in the historic Argentine derby. Dogos XV have now won eight of the ten official matches played between the two teams, with one draw, highlighting their consistent success in this fixture. The defeat will undoubtedly fuel Pampas’ determination to perform well against Capibaras. Juan Manuel Leguizamón has made three changes to the starting lineup from that match, with Marcos Camerlinckx and Francisco Sluga coming into the forward pack in place of Ramiro Berardi Calvo and Marcelo Toledo, respectively. Cordero’s inclusion on the wing replaces Jerónimo Ulloa.
Cordero’s Return and Squad Updates
Beyond Cordero’s return, Pampas have also included Lucas Moresco on the substitute bench, offering him a potential debut opportunity. Nahuel Zunini and Alfonso Latorre, both previously capped by the Buenos Aires franchise, are also included in the 23-man squad for the first time this season. With Juan Cruz Pérez Rachel unavailable, Lucas Marguery will captain the side. The team’s composition reflects a blend of experience and emerging talent, aiming to provide a dynamic performance against a confident Capibaras outfit.
The Pampas lineup for the match against Capibaras XV is as follows:
- MEDRANO, Matías
- BOTTAZZINI, Ignacio
- CAMERLINCKX, Marcos
- FERNÁNDEZ CRIADO, Rodrigo
- SERVANT, Francisco
- PENOUCOS, Juan
- CABANO WALL, Augusto
- BERNASCONI, Juan Pedro
- MARGUERY, Lucas (captain)
- FARISÉ, Bautista
- CORDERO, Santiago
- LEDESMA, Felipe
- FRAGA, Agustín
- PERNAS, Santiago
- WADE, Tobias
The replacements are: 16. LEDESMA AROCENA, Tadeo, 17. ZUNINI, Nahuel, 18. VICENTE VIDAL, Valentín, 19. MORESCO, Lucas, 20. SANTARELLI, Faustino, 21. LAVAYÉN, Alejo, 22. RENTHEL, Estanislao and 23. LATORRE, Alfonso.
Capibaras’ Challenge: Familiar Faces in Both Camps
Capibaras XV will present a unique challenge for Pampas, not only through their recent form but also due to the presence of several former Pampas players within their ranks. Manuel Bernstein, the current captain of Capibaras, holds the record for the most caps in Pampas history, with 34 appearances, including 25 as captain. Bruno Heit, who featured 24 times for Pampas and scored eight tries, also forms part of the Capibaras squad. Lorenzo Colidio, a member of Pampas’ inaugural year, further strengthens the Litoral team’s connection to the Buenos Aires franchise. This adds an intriguing layer to the contest, with a significant number of players possessing intimate knowledge of each other’s game.
Coaching Connections Add Another Layer
The connections extend beyond the playing field, with Nicolás Vergallo, previously an assistant coach to Juan Manuel Leguizamón at Pampas in 2024 and 2025, now serving as the assistant coach to Nicolás Galatro, the head coach of Capibaras XV. This dynamic adds another layer of tactical intrigue to the match, as both coaching staffs will be well-versed in each other’s strategies and tendencies. The familiarity on both sides suggests a closely contested encounter, demanding astute game management and tactical flexibility from both teams.
The Super Rugby Americas competition continues to showcase the growing talent within South American rugby. This match between Pampas and Capibaras promises to be a compelling spectacle, with the return of Santiago Cordero adding further excitement for fans. The clash at CASI is set to be a pivotal moment in the tournament, with both teams eager to assert their dominance and secure a crucial victory.
The next confirmed action in the Super Rugby Americas will be the continuation of matchday 3 with further fixtures scheduled throughout the weekend. Fans can stay updated on the tournament standings and results through the official Super Rugby Americas website.
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