The Argentine Rugby Union last night confirmed that the June 12 match, Mike Ruddock’s first in charge, would be switched from the capital Buenos Aires, the venue for the second Test, to the Tucuman Estadium Atletico in northern province’s capital.
Wales have only played once in what is regarded as the hot-bed of Argentine rugby when Graham Henry’s touring side of 1999 beat Tucuman Province in a thrilling 69-44 victory.
Current team members Mark Taylor and Stephen Jones, then only 21, formed the centre partnership that day with Taylor grabbing two of Wales’ nine tries, Swansea wing Matthew Robinson scored four.
Meanwhile Gareth Llewellyn and Martyn Williams featured in the pack that also included possible tourist this time around Chris Anthony while Matthew Watkins was on the bench. “We have moved the venue for the first international match as part of the celebrations for the Tucuman province’s 60th anniversary,” confirmed an ARU spokesman.
“We are very pleased that a famous rugby team like Wales is coming here to help make the occasion even more special.”
It will be the first time in nine years that the Pumas have hosted an international side in the city since they played Italy in 1995.
