Creevy set to retire from test rugby after Pumas play Wallabies in his La Plata hometown

LA PLATA, Argentina (AP) — Agustin Creevy is set to end a 19-year international career after Argentina plays Australia in the Rugby Championship in his La Plata hometown this weekend.

Creevy informed the Pumas of his plans this week, and the 39-year-old hooker was included in the reserves for Saturday’s test.

Since his test debut in 2005 against Japan on the wing, Creevy has set Argentina records for the most tests (109), the most as captain (51) and the most appearances in the Rugby World Cup (22). He led the team to the 2015 World Cup semifinals.

“I am leaving after having given it my all,” he told ESPN. “I have played to the utmost, and it is time to step aside because it is best for the team, and, like I always say, the team comes first.

“I have many mixed feelings. Of sadness, of joy and, above all, of immense pride for having worn this shirt for a long time. All the decisions and actions I made, everything I went through was to wear the Los Pumas shirt that I love so much.”

The Wallabies later announced a starting lineup with yet another skipper. Harry Wilson will lead the side against Argentina — Australia’s eighth captain in 15 tests and the fourth under Joe Schmidt in five matches this season.

Schmidt has also used Liam Wright and veteran props James Slipper and Allan Ala’alato a as leaders since replacing Eddie Jones as head coach.

It allows Schmidt to start his most damaging props, Taniela Tupou and Angus Bell, with Ala’alatoa providing leadership from the bench.

No. 8 Wilson has played 15 tests and faces a difficult leadership assignment against a Pumas team that upset the All Blacks in Wellington in the first round of the tournament.

Argentina coach Felipe Contepomi said Creevy’s decision didn’t play any part in giving him a sendoff in his hometown.

“This is the national team, the best players play. What we consider to be the best 23 for each match,” Contepomi said. “It is a blessing for him to have been able to make the decision to retire and not to be retired by rugby. We support him in his decision. He will bear his emotions inside. This day was going to come at some point, it was not going to last forever.”

Creevy wasn’t expected to play test rugby again after his fourth World Cup last November in France, where the Pumas reached another semifinal. But an injury to Julian Montoya prompted Contepomi to recall Creevy for the tests in New Zealand. He came off the bench and scored the go-ahead try against the All Blacks in a stunning 38-30 win in Wellington three weeks ago.

Montoya, who succeeded Creevy as the starting hooker and captain, praised his former mentor.

“I debuted when he was captain. We have been together for 11 years, competing for a position,” Montoya said. “We have a very nice relationship and I thanked him for how he sponsored me in my beginnings. I couldn’t have chosen anyone better for that and I am grateful.”

The Pumas made three changes after losing the second match to the All Blacks 42-10 in Auckland two weeks ago.

Joel Sclavi replaced tighthead Lucio Sordoni, who has gone to France to complete his transfer to Racing 92, Franco Molina was back in the second row and bumped Marcos Kremer to his natural position on the flank, and Santiago Cordero was on the wing for the injured Matias Moroni.

On a bench split 6-2, forwards Guido Petti and Santiago Grondona could make their first test appearances this year.

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Argentina: Juan Cruz Mallia, Santiago Cordero, Lucio Cinti, Santiago Chocobares, Mateo Carreras, Santiago Carreras, Gonzalo Bertranou; Juan Martin Gonzalez, Marcos Kremer, Pablo Matera, Pedro Rubiolo, Franco Molina, Joel Sclavi, Julian Montoya (captain), Thomas Gallo. Reserves: Agustin Creevy, Mayco Vivas, Eduardo Bello, Guido Petti, Tomas Lavanini, Santiago Grondona, Lautaro Bazan Velez, Tomas Albornoz.

Australia: Tom Wright, Andrew Kellaway, Len Ikitau, Hamish Stewart, Marika Koroibete, Noah Lolesio, Jake Gordon; Harry Wilson (captain), Carlo Tizzano, Rob Valetini, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Nick Frost, Taniela Tupou, Matt Faessler, Angus Bell. Reserves: Josh Nasser, Isaac Kailea, Allan Alaalatoa, Jeremy Williams, Langi Gleeson, Tate McDermott, Ben Donaldson, Max Jorgensen

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AP rugby: https://apnews.com/hub/rugby