Sanchez gets first start as Argentina captain

Nicolas Sanchez, the highest points scorer at the World Cup, will captain Argentina for the first time in Friday's third place playoff against South Africa.

Sanchez, who has 89 points mainly from the boot, will take over the armband from the injured Agustin Creevy.

Coach Daniel Hourcade has made nine changes to the team that started the 29-15 semi-final defeat against Australia last Sunday.

Many were forced by injury as key players Creevy, outstanding wing Juan Imhoff and veteran centre Juan Martin Hernandez all had to be replaced on Sunday.

Among Friday's starters, Horacio Agulla and Juan Martín Fernandez Lobbe started the 2007 bronze final for Argentina.

Marcos Ayerza and Juan Manuel Leguizamon came on as replacements in that match which saw them beat hosts France for the second time in the tournament.

Argentina (15-1)

Lucas Gonzalez Amorosino; Santiago Cordero, Matias Moroni, Jeronimo de la Fuente, Horacio Agulla; Nicolas Sanchez (capt), Tomas Cubelli; Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe, Juan Manuel Leguizamon, Javier Ortega Desio; Tomas Lavanini, Matías Alemanno; Ramiro Herrera, Julian Montoya, Marcos Ayerza.

Replacements: Lucas Noguera, Juan Pablo Orlandi, Juan Figallo, Guido Petti, Facundo Isa, Martin Landajo, Santiago Gonzalez Iglesias, Juan Pablo Socino.

Coach: Daniel Hourcade (ARG)

Source: AFP