Petti returns to Argentina squad to face Australia

Argentina has summoned seasoned lock Guido Petti for the first time since last year's World Cup, as coach Felipe Contepomi announced a 34-man roster on Tuesday for their upcoming Rugby Championship matches against Australia.

Also making a return to the squad is loose forward Santiago Grondona, who sustained an injury during Argentina's final warm-up match prior to the World Cup in France.

Petti's inclusion results in the exclusion of 20-year-old Efrain Elias, who earned his first cap in the unexpected 38-20 victory over New Zealand in Wellington two weeks ago.

In the backs, Rodrigo Isgro rejoins the team after participating in Argentina's sevens at the Olympic Games in Paris, while Ignacio Mendy and Justo Piccardo are recalled after being part of the squad in July for tests against France and Uruguay.

Mendy notably scored three tries in a commanding 79-5 victory over Uruguay in Montevideo.

Lock Luciano Asevedo has been promoted from Argentina’s under-20 team and is included in the squad as a development player.

Matias Moroni, who suffered a muscle tear in his left hip during the match against the All Blacks in Auckland last Saturday, will not participate, and backup full-back Martin Bogado has also been omitted.

Following Argentina's surprising victory over the All Blacks in their opening match of the southern hemisphere championship, they faced a disappointing 42-10 defeat to the same team in Auckland last weekend.

The Pumas are set to host Australia in La Plata on August 31 and in Santa Fe on September 7.

Contepomi acknowledged the significant challenge posed by the Wallabies, who have lost their first two home matches against South Africa.

“Despite their unexpected start, I hold great respect for coach Joe Schmidt and recognize the potential of the Australian team," he remarked. "The tournament is lengthy, and we aim to enhance our consistency and competitiveness in the forthcoming matches."

Argentina squad:

Backs: Tomas Albornoz, Lautaro Bazan Velez, Gonzalo Bertranou, Mateo Carreras, Santiago Carreras, Santiago Chocobares, Lucio Cinti, Santiago Cordero, Bautista Delguy, Gonzalo Garcia, Rodrigo Isgro, Juan Cruz Mallia, Ignacio Mendy, Matias Orlando, Justo Piccardo

Forwards: Luciano Asevedo, Eduardo Bello, Agustin Creevy, Thomas Gallo, Juan Martin Gonzalez, Santiago Grondona, Marcos Kremer, Tomas Lavanini, Pablo Matera, Franco Molina, Julian Montoya, Joaquin Oviedo, Juan Bautista Pedemonte, Guido Petti, Pedro Rubiolo, Ignacio Ruiz, Joel Sclavi, Lucio Sordoni, Mayco Vivas.