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Argentina Sevens captain Santiago Gomez Cora is back in the Pumas squad for the next legs of the IRB Sevens World Series in Wellington and Las Vegas.

Gomez Cora, the IRB Sevens’ all-time leading try scorer, missed the first two tournaments of the season in Dubai and George, with his availability an obvious bonus for coach Nicholas Fernandez Lobbe.

Gomez Cora recently returned to the side at the Mar del Plate Sevens where Argentina retained their South American title.

In the captain’s absence, the World Cup runners-up have impressed thus far on the World Series, despite a much changed team to previous years and are targeting a top four position regularly.

Currently sitting in fifth position, the Pumas narrowly lost to England in the Cup quarter-finals in Dubai before going one better a week later and making the semi-finals in South Africa.

Pedro Garcon keeps his place after impressing after a late call up to George before Christmas, while Diego Palma, a former Under-20 international, is another new face in the team.

Nicolas Bruzzone was the team’s leading try-scorer from the first two legs, but is unavailable for the next set of back-to-back events.

The Pumas have a favourable draw in Wellington facing Samoa, France and Canada in Pool D.

But their task is set to be more difficult a week later as they attempt to defend their USA Sevens crown they won last season.

They face England, who they beat last year’s final, Wales, and Japan at Las Vegas’ Sam Boyd Stadium.

Samsara kings of Summer Sevens again

Samsara won their fourth consecutive Summer Sevens title at Villa Marista over the weekend in Argentina. They beat Alumni 12-5 in a tight finale to tournament.

Jose Diaz, captain of Samsara, was named player of the tournament. Sociedad Sportiva "A" beat The Durma 34-7 to take the Silver completion, whilst Deportivo Portugués lost out to St. Ignatius 33-7 in the Bronze competiton.
The 45th edition of the tournament, hosted by the IPR Sporting Club, also featured a large youth section with Under-14s, 16s, and 18s participating.

Argentina Squad for Wellington and USA:

Mariano Baud, Santiago Bottini, Tomas Caceres, Pedro Garzon, Santiago Gomez Cora, Gonzalo Taboada, Francisco Merello, Hernan Olivari, Diego Palma, Tomas Passerotti, Santiago Piccaluga, JoaquinTodeschini.