Argentina-Tonga, Ireland-Japan, SA-Namibia to kick off today

(FASTNEWS | COLOMBO) – Argentina have drafted in fly-half Benjamin Urdapilleta at the expense of Nicolas Sanchez for their World Cup encounter with Tonga this morning.

Sanchez started the Pumas’ opening defeat by France in which Argentina trailed 20-3 at half-time before rallying to lose 23-21.

Coach Mario Ledesma has made three other changes, including dropping former Worcester hooker Agustin Creevy. Tonga have brought in James Faiva at 10 after Kurt Morath was ruled out.

Ireland will aim to build on their impressive opening World Cup win over Scotland when they face unbeaten hosts Japan.

Coach Joe Schmidt has opted not to risk fly-half Johnny Sexton because of a thigh strain so Jack Carty is handed only a second Test match start.

Backs Rob Kearney, Keith Earls and Chris Farrell also replace Jordan Larmour, Andrew Conway and Bundee Aki.

A surprise Japan change sees skipper Michael Leitch left on the bench.

Instead, head coach Jamie Joseph opts to bring fit-again Amanaki Mafi into the back row, with flanker Pieter Labuschagne leading the Brave Blossoms for the first time.

Hooker Schalk Brits will play at number eight for the first time in more than a decade when South Africa take on minnows Namibia today.

The former Saracen retired in 2018 but was convinced to return to rugby by Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus.

Elsewhere Herschel Jantjies and Elton Jantjies replace rested half-back pair Faf de Klerk and Handre Pollard.

Namibia make 10 personnel changes from the team that lost to Italy, but centre Johan Deysel only makes the bench.

Deysel, who scored Namibia’s only try in their 58-14 defeat by eventual champions New Zealand at the 2015 tournament, missed his team’s Pool B opener with a shoulder problem.

The Springboks have also made wholesale changes from the team that lost to New Zealand on Saturday with only centre Lukhanyo Am and wing Makazole Mapimpi retaining their places. (NR)