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Jamie BraidwoodESPN
Juan Manuel Leguizamon has said it will be “weird” to line up opposite his international teammates when he plays against Argentina for the Barbarians this weekend.
Leguizamon is the only Argentine representative in the 23-man Barbarians squad to face the Pumas, joining 13 South Africans and players from six other countries in forming Rassie Erasmus’ select side.
But Leguizamon, 35, will have the unique experience of playing against the country he represented 85 times across his 13-year international career when he pulls on the famous black and white Barbarians jersey at Twickenham on Saturday.
“It’s weird, but I’m not thinking too much about this,” Leguizamon told ESPN. “It’s a game of rugby and it’s a great chance to play with the Barbarians — which is always amazing to be a part of. Obviously the game is against Argentina so it’s different, but it’s the way it is and we have to enjoy every opportunity we have.”
Flanker Leguizamon captained the Barbarians in his only other appearance in 2014, featuring alongside Argentina teammates Tomas Cubelli and Juan Martin Hernandez as the Baa-Baas defeated England at Twickenham.
“This time I’m the only Argentine in the team but that game was amazing,” Leguizamon said. “I’ve been talking to the [Argentina] boys, always joking and having good chats, but we are not talking that much. It’s all about jokes and having a good time on the pitch when we play on Saturday.
“The Barbarians are an amazing team with amazing players and it’s a great opportunity to share with them and to know them as a person apart from the rugby. That part of rugby for me is very important. Obviously if we can end up playing a great game it’ll be great, too.”
Argentina enter the fixture against the Barbarians having lost all three of their Test matches this November. Following defeats to Ireland and France, the Pumas then went down to Scotland 14-9 in a close game in Edinburgh last weekend.
“It was hard,” Leguizamon said. “The last game against Scotland we had the opportunity to win but we weren’t that effective. It’s a shame we didn’t win a game [this month] but we’re still working hard. It’s not an excuse but it’s not easy for us playing the whole year with the same group of players.”
And as Argentina attempt to end 2018 on a high and head into 2019 with a win, Leguizamon, who is the most-capped player in their current squad, will be trying to stop them.
“It will be a tough game but yes it’s the way it is,” he added. “We want to win and obviously Argentina wants to do it because of the three last games that they lost. But yes, I hope it will be a great game of rugby.”