Pablo Matera will captain Argentina in their Rugby Championship opener against New Zealand in Wellington on Saturday after coach Felipe Contepomi left out Julian Montoya. Montoya, who injured his ribs in last month’s win over France, will be replaced by Ignacio Ruiz, with veteran former captain Agustín Creevy appointed as backup hook.

Montoya has travelled with the team and could feature in their next match against the All Blacks at Eden Park in Auckland on August 17. Three players who were rested for the series against France and the single match against Uruguay last month are back in the starting line-up: Juan Martín Gonzalez, Juan Cruz Mallia and Lucio Cinti.

Additionally, three returning players, Joel Sclavi, Tomas Lavanini and Agustín Creevy, are among the substitutes. Lock Efrain Elias, the only uncapped player to travel to New Zealand, is among the substitutes and is set to make his Test debut after quickly earning promotion from Argentina’s under-20 team.

(With inputs from agencies.)