5 Stars to Watch: Argentina squad to face All Blacks in 2025 Rugby Championship

After years of steady progress, Argentina have evolved into a team capable of testing rugby’s giants, with plenty of memorable moments stemming since their addition to expand the old Tri Nations in 2012. Los Pumas have been at the forefront of ample marquee matches from the last 12 years of the Rugby Championship, yet Argentina have never won the title despite their best efforts.

A fresh campaign starts this weekend, with Felipe Contepomi's side once again proving how they can hang with the biggest and best sides in the world this past Summer. Argentina shocked the world back in June, as they defeated the British & Irish Lions for their tour send off match in Dublin. Los Pumas would then lose back-to-back close encounters with England, before capping off their campaign with a resounding win over Uruguay.

Argentina are back on track following a mixed bag of results, with the following five Pumas stars being our picks to watch. Contepomi's squad have assembled for the opening two rounds of action against the All Blacks, with this article presenting a deep dive into the best that the blue and whites bring to the fray.

Julián Montoya is the heartbeat of any pack, a hooker who blends brute strength with an uncanny rugby intellect. Montoya’s journey from Club Newman in Buenos Aires to captaining the Pumas reads like a story of relentless ambition and precision-honed skill. Early on, he made waves in the U20 World Championship in 2013 and with the Argentina Jaguars, quickly cementing his reputation as a player capable of carrying both lineout and leadership responsibilities.

Montoya’s Super Rugby years with the Jaguares were a masterclass in consistency. Behind the legendary Agustín Creevy, he honed his timing and throwing under pressure, gradually emerging as the starting hooker for Argentina. By the time he featured in the 2019 Super Rugby final against the Crusaders, he had already become a linchpin of the Pumas’ forward machine.

January 2021 saw Montoya take his talents to England, joining Leicester Tigers mid-season. He slotted seamlessly into the Premiership, culminating in a start during the 2022 Premiership Rugby final, where Tigers edged Saracens 15-12 at Twickenham. Montoya's leadership was palpable as he guided the squad with an aura of calm authority that belied the fiery intensity he brings to every breakdown.

Internationally, Montoya has redefined what it means to captain Argentina. He has led the Pumas to historic victories over Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa, a rare trifecta for any captain, let alone an Argentine one. His debut against Uruguay in 2014 hinted at the relentless work ethic that would later see him notch nine international tries and surpass 60 Test caps.

Montoya’s presence on the field is magnetic: a hooker with areal telepathy with his jumper, carry the ball with purpose, and inspire teammates through sheer willpower. As Montoya embarks on the next chapter with Section Paloise in France for the 2025/26 Top 14 season, the front rower remains an essential cornerstone for both club and country.

Juan Cruz Mallía is the kind of utility back coaches dream about. Versatile, fearless, and technically immaculate, he is the architect of the blue and white back-line. Mallía can slot from fly-half to fullback with fluidity, turning defensive crises into attacking opportunities. His early days with the Jaguares in Super Rugby showcased his sharp vision and attacking instinct, as he made his debut against the Chiefs in May 2018 and quickly established himself as a key play-maker for the Argentine club.

Mallía’s move to Toulouse in 2021 marked a new phase in his career, and he wasted no time leaving his mark upon the Top 14. The fullback scored the only try in the 2021 Champions Cup final, as La Rochelle could not contain the Argentine whirlwind. Just a few short weeks later, Mallia then helped secure the Top 14 title, once again starring in a win over La Rochelle, reinforcing his reputation as a match-winner, and a nemisis of Ronan O'Gara's side.

On the international stage, Mallía has been equally influential. From captaining the Argentina U20 squad in 2015 to making his senior debut in 2018, he has blended tactical intelligence with an attacking verve that lifts any back-line. He's featured in Rugby Championship campaigns and was part of Argentina’s 2023 Rugby World Cup squad, though the bronze final against England ended in disappointment.

Mallía’s style is elegant yet unyielding. He reads the game with a chess master’s precision, positioning himself perfectly for defensive coverage while simultaneously creating attacking flair. His career highlights include multiple Top 14 and European Cup titles, making him one of Argentina’s most decorated exports to the glitz and glamour of French rugby.

Pablo Matera is the embodiment of Argentine grit, with a fearless, relentless, and uncompromising will to win the collision. Matera has forged a career that spans continents and competitions, from Super Rugby’s Jaguares to England’s Leicester Tigers, France’s Stade Français, and now Japan’s Mie Honda Heat. He is a flanker who marries physical dominance with tactical acuity, the kind of player who makes every ruck personal, and every breakdown a statement.

Matera’s rise was meteoric. After representing Argentina U20 in 2012 and 2013, he debuted for the senior Pumas in May 2013 against Chile. By the 2015 Rugby World Cup, he was a central figure in Argentina’s pack, playing six of seven games and helping the team reach a historic fourth-place finish. Matera’s leadership qualities soon shone through, earning him captaincy of both the Jaguares and the national team. November 2020 brought a defining moment as he led Argentina to their first-ever win over the All Blacks, a victory that cemented his place in rugby folklore.

His club career is equally impressive. Signed by Leicester Tigers in 2013 as a 20-year-old injury replacement to Tom Croft, he scored his first try against Newcastle Falcons before returning to Argentina to help establish the Jaguares in Super Rugby. His subsequent tenure with Stade Français showcased his ability to dominate in the Northern Hemisphere, blending aggression, tactical nous, and intelligent carrying to devastating effect.

Matera tackles with precision, carries with intent, and inspires teammates with a presence that transcends the pitch. Even controversies, such as the temporary loss of his captaincy in 2020, have not diminished his resolve. He remains an emblem of Argentine rugby, a player whose intensity and professionalism push everyone around him to higher standards.

Gerónimo Prisciantelli is rugby’s answer to a Swiss Army knife, a utility back capable of slipping into fly-half, fullback, or centre with astonishing fluency. Born on 23 August 1999, he first made waves in Argentina U20s and the Sevens circuit, hinting at the versatility and vision that would define his career. His professional journey began in the Súper Liga Americana de Rugby with Jaguares XV in 2021 and 2022, where he honed his tactical kicking, game management, and counter-attacking instincts.

In 2022, Prisciantelli took his talents to the Northern Hemisphere, signing with Zebre Parma in the United Rugby Championship. His performances in Italy were a showcase of adaptability—delivering precise kicks, orchestrating backline moves, and adding an attacking edge that left defenders scrambling. By 2025, Racing 92 secured his services, recognizing the potential of a player who can influence games from multiple positions.

Prisciantelli’s international career mirrors his club versatility. Representing Argentina XV and making his senior debut in 2024, he brings flair, audacity, and tactical intelligence to every test. He can dissect defensive lines, read game tempo, and deliver crucial kicks under pressure. His style is fluid and daring; a well-timed chip, a sneaky inside pass, or a counter-attack from fullback can shift the momentum of a match instantly.

Beyond statistics and caps, Prisciantelli is defined by his rugby intuition. He senses opportunities before defenders do, blending calculated risk with technical mastery. For Argentina, he offers a depth of creativity that few backs can match, and for Racing 92, he is both a tactical conductor and a spark capable of turning tight contests into memorable victories.

Gerónimo Prisciantelli is not just a utility back; he is a game-changer, a player whose multi-positional prowess makes him a constant threat and a magnet for attention in modern rugby’s fast-evolving landscape.

Marcos Kremer is the kind of forward who embodies raw power, athleticism, and unwavering commitment. Born in 1997 in Argentina, Kremer’s rise from youth rugby to the international stage has been marked by his explosive presence in the lineout, ferocious tackling, and relentless work rate. A mainstay of Stade Français in the Top 14, Kremer combines brute strength with tactical awareness, making him as effective in open play as he is in set-pieces.

Kremer’s professional journey began with Jaguares in Super Rugby, where he honed his skills against the southern hemisphere’s elite. His ability to carry the ball over the gain line, disrupt opposition ball, and dominate aerial contests quickly made him a standout performer. He was soon called up to the Pumas, representing Argentina in multiple Rugby Championship campaigns and the 2019 Rugby World Cup. Kremer’s imposing presence has earned him recognition as one of Argentina’s premier forwards, consistently challenging the opposition physically and mentally.

At Stade Français, Kremer has been a cornerstone of the pack, providing stability and aggression in equal measure. His leadership qualities shine through in high-pressure matches, whether driving mauls, contesting lineouts, or executing critical tackles. On the international stage, he has become indispensable, blending technical precision with raw athleticism to anchor Argentina’s forward momentum.

What sets Kremer apart is his consistency and fearlessness. He charges into every ruck, dominates collisions, and inspires teammates with an energy that radiates across the pitch. His combination of size, skill, and rugby intelligence makes him a player who can influence a game even when he isn’t carrying the ball.

For Argentina and Stade Français, Marcos Kremer is more than a lock; he is a statement of intent, a relentless force whose blend of power, pace, and poise ensures he will remain central to the success of his teams for years to come.