Pumas

The world champions are six points clear of second-placed South Africa and a win and a bonus point in Buenos Aires on Saturday would guarantee them the trophy.

But after losing at home to the Springboks in their last game they would have their work cut out against an Argentina side who have recorded two wins in the competition for the first time since they joined in 2012, half-back Perenara said.

"We played them in Nelson and we won but it was a tough game," Perenara said.

Comfortable winners of last weekend's reverse fixture in Port Elizabeth, the Springboks were given a helping hand on this occasion as Argentina's Tomas Lavanini was sent off in the 57th minute for a second yellow-card offence.

Pumas number eight Juan Manuel Leguizamon and South Africa full-back Andries Coetzee were also sin-binned in a frenetic encounter.

De la Fuente, who missed the away defeat and home win against South Africa this month, was included on Monday in the squad that will travel on Friday but has now dropped out.

He is replaced in the 28-man squad by Gabriel Azcarate, who could make his tournament debut if called into action during the away Tests, the Argentine Rugby Union (UAR) said.

Coach Daniel Hourcade said that De la Fuente had failed a medical before praising the Pumas' form.

The Pumas, who warmed up in black t-shirts carrying the number 11, in tribute to former All Black Jonah Lomu who died this week, ran in seven tries in front of a crowd of 38,101, with wing Santiago Cordero crossing twice and setting up a third.