Rugby Union: Agustin Creevy to earn 50th Argentina cap

Agustin Creevy spoke of his delight as he prepares to earn a 50th cap for Argentina on Saturday.

The Pumas take on South Africa in their Rugby Championship opener in Nelspruit, hoping for a repeat of last year's 37-25 victory in Durban – their first in South Africa.

And it will be a landmark occasion for hooker and captain Creevy, who concedes he never considered reaching a half-century of outings on the biggest stage.

"It is a great source of pride to reach 50 matches," he said. "I have seen many of the more experienced players meet this number, and today to me it is really amazing.

"I take it with a lot of happiness, it is a more than important week for me, so I'm happy.

"I never had in mind to reach 50 games, but now it touches me it is an impressive achievement and it makes me happy to achieve this personal goal, because it's something you do not see every day.

"I saw very important people rugby reach 50 games, so I give a lot of value.

"I'm in a very nice moment, I dreamed of it all my life. Selected to be captain of the Pumas is one of the best things that happened to me in my sporting life.

"I've been through bad, I learned a lot from that, and luckily there was also good to enjoy a lot. Both have made me grow a lot."

Argentina XV: Joaquin Tuculet, Santiago Cordero, Matias Orlando, Juan Martin Hernandez, Manuel Montero, Nicolas Sanchez, Martin Landajo, Facundo Isa, Juan Manuel Leguizamon, Pablo Matera, Tomas Lavanini, Matias Alemanno, 3 Ramiro Herrera, 2 Agustin Creevy, 1 Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro.

Replacements: Julian Montoya, Felipe Arregui, Enrique Pieretto, Guido Petti, Javier Ortega Desio, Tomas Cubelli, Santiago Gonzalez Iglesias, Ramiro Moyano.