​Wales head into their Nations Championship campaign with growing confidence, set for a stern test on the road as they travel to Argentina. Steve Tandy’s squad will look to build on a solid performance that yielded a strong victory over Fiji at Cardiff City Stadium, a result that provided a much-needed lift amid ongoing off-field issues and contract disputes. The coming fixture, however, presents a far longer journey and a tougher challenge, as the Welsh face a Pumas side still smarting from a recent defeat to Scotland.
With the Chief aim of maintaining momentum, Wales will seek to extend their unbeaten run and take another step forward in the tournament standings. The match against Argentina is scheduled for a 8.10pm BST kick-off on Saturday, July 11, at the Estadio del Bicentenario in San Juan. UK viewers can watch live on ITV4, with coverage beginning at 7.30pm BST, and a live stream will be available on ITVX for those preferring online access.
Argentina will be bolstered by significant milestones and personnel updates ahead of the clash. Guido Petti earns his 100th cap, following in the footsteps of his lock partner Matias Alemanno, who also marked a century against Scotland. Marcos Kremer’s return is a notable boost for a strong back five, with the flanker able to rejoin the squad after attending the birth of his child. In the backline, Justo Piccardo steps in at centre to replace Faustino Sanchez Valarolo, while Bautista Delguy takes over the wing from Rodrigo Isgro.
The Argentina XV lineup includes Boris Wenger at loosehead, with Julian Montoya captaining the side behind him. Tomas Rapetti anchors the scrum at tighthead, while Guido Petti and Matias Alemanno form the engine room in the second row. In the back row, Santiago Grondona, Marcos Kremer, and Joaquin Oviedo provide a dynamic breakdown presence. The half-backs feature Gonzalo Garcia at scrum-half and Tomas Albornoz at fly-half, with Mateo Carreras, Justo Piccardo, Lucio Cinti, and Bautista Delguy making up the backline outside them. Santiago Carreras is at full-back, completing a balanced and capable XV.
Wales, under Tandy, name Sam Costelow at fly-half, with Dan Edwards omitted from the matchday squad. Ellis Mee is preferred on the wing over Louis Rees-Zammit, highlighting tactical choices aimed at maximizing balance and continuity in attack. James Botham steps in for Cardiff teammate Alex Mann in the back row, underscoring depth in the loose forwards. The Welsh pack is captained by Dewi Lake, with Rhys Carre and Dillon Lewis providing front-row experience and solidity.
In the backline, Tomos Williams partners Costelow at half-back, while a back three featuring Josh Adams and Ellis Mee provides speed and danger in broken play. Joe Hawkins and Eddie James form a central midfield combination, with Mee and Adams offering a versatile threat in wide channels. Up front, the forward pack is anchored by Lake and a strong second row pairing of Ben Carter and Adam Beard, with a mobile back row that includes James Botham, Jac Morgan, and Aaron Wainwright, all tasked with pressuring the Argentinian ball-carriers and securing quick ball.
As Wales step into this demanding away fixture, the objective remains clear: replicate and build on the positive momentum gained from the Fiji win, while maintaining discipline and intensity throughout the 80 minutes. The challenge is significant as they confront a home side eager to respond to adversity with a performance that could swing the momentum in San Juan. The tactical battle promises to be compelling, with Cardiff’s spirit carried into this international clash as Wales aim to dent the Argentinian resolve and demonstrate their continued growth in the competition. With the match set to kick off in the evening, fans will be watching closely to see if Wales can translate domestic confidence into away-form success and lay down another sign of rising strength in Steve Tandy’s developing squad.