Santiago Carreras Eyes Lions Upset: “This Is Once in Your Life”
British and Irish Lions v Argentina – A Rare Test with History on the Line
There’s something brewing in Dublin this week — a test match two decades in the making. When the British and Irish Lions step onto the turf at the Aviva Stadium to face Argentina on June 20th, it won’t just be a game. For Santiago Carreras and his Pumas teammates, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to upset the rugby world order.
“You might play this game once in your life – it is so special,” says Carreras, the dynamic Argentine back who has become a mainstay of this new-look Pumas side. He speaks with a blend of pride and anticipation — and rightly so. These occasions don’t come around often. In fact, they barely come around at all.
Lions and Pumas: A Fixture from a Bygone Era
The last time the Lions and Argentina met on a rugby field was back in 2005 — a 25-25 draw in Cardiff salvaged at the death by Jonny Wilkinson’s boot. Prior to that? You’d need to dust off the archives and trawl through black-and-white photographs to find any other meetings. This is not your typical test series. This is rugby history being revisited.
And for Argentina, it feels different this time. Not just because of the rarity of the fixture, but because this current squad — ranked fifth in the world — has the quality to not just compete with the Lions, but to beat them.
Over the past year, the Pumas have claimed scalps from three of the four teams ranked above them, pushing the last — Ireland — all the way in Dublin. This is a team hardened by battle, seasoned in the crucible of World Cups and international campaigns, and hungry for a defining win.
Contepomi’s Vision: A Culture of Confidence
Much of that evolution has come under the guidance of Felipe Contepomi, a man who knows all about facing the Lions. He captained Argentina in that memorable 2005 draw, and now, nearly 20 years later, he’s leading them as head coach.
“I think we are still building our game and our culture,” Carreras reflects. “We showed a really good face on the field over the past year.”
What’s perhaps most telling is the shift in mindset. Whether under Michael Cheika or now Contepomi, this generation of Pumas doesn’t just show up to compete — they show up to win. The belief runs deep, and it’s no longer confined to the underdog spirit of old.
“The mindset of the group internally is really competitive – that is the best thing,” Carreras adds. “We want to back ourselves to play and do the things we talk about.”
Carreras Leading a Premiership-Honed Core
Santiago Carreras scores for Argentina against England
The Pumas aren’t just building a culture — they’re building a team forged in some of the most demanding rugby environments in the world. Eleven of the current 32-man squad ply their trade in England’s Premiership, including Carreras himself.
It’s a bond that strengthens the squad, both on and off the field.
“They are like the second family here,” Carreras says of his fellow Argentine expats. “I am really close with the guys in Bristol and we all try to stick together because we are so far away from home.”
Names like Julian Montoya (Leicester), Juan Martin Gonzalez and Lucio Cinti (Saracens), Rodrigo Isgro (Harlequins), and a trio of players at Bristol – Pedro Rubiolo, Benjamin Elizalde, and the Grondona brothers – form a Premiership-toughened spine that knows what it takes to win in northern hemisphere conditions.
Leaving Gloucester Behind: A New Chapter at Bath
Carreras himself is at a turning point in his club career, swapping the cherry-and-white of Gloucester for the blue, black, and white of Premiership champions Bath.
“It is tough,” he admits. “You never want to leave a place where you feel good and welcome. I really feel part of Gloucester and love everyone there and the club.”
Still, the opportunity at Bath is one he couldn’t pass up — a fresh challenge and the chance to test himself among a squad bursting with international talent.
“Everyone at Bath is a class player – the forward pack is almost international level – and it is a challenge for me to be part of that group and keep pushing my own level around them.”
Chasing Memories and Making New Ones
Carreras isn’t short on iconic memories already. He was part of the Pumas side that edged England 30-29 at Twickenham in 2022 — a performance that helped close the chapter on Eddie Jones’ tenure. It was only Argentina’s second ever win at rugby’s most hallowed ground, and Carreras crossed for a try in a match that still lingers sweetly in his memory.
“That memory of playing against them in November is a really special one,” he says. “It was a special day.”
This summer, Argentina will once again face England — this time in a two-Test series, while Steve Borthwick’s side will be missing their British and Irish Lions stars. It’s yet another chance for the Pumas to make a statement.
Argentina’s Growing Footprint in the Northern Hemisphere
There’s a wider strategy in play too. Argentina are increasingly comfortable setting up camp in the UK. They regularly train at London’s Lensbury Club, and their final Rugby Championship match of the year, against South Africa, will be held at the Allianz Stadium in London on October 4.
“We are not used to playing away from South Africa and Argentina,” Carreras admits. “But hopefully it will be a good opportunity to win the game and the Championship.”
It speaks volumes about Argentina’s ambition. They’re not just seeking competitive fixtures — they’re seeking big moments, iconic wins, and lasting legacies.
One Shot at the Lions – One Shot at History
For Carreras and the Pumas, Friday’s match at the Aviva isn’t just about a win. It’s about placing themselves in the history books. Lions tours come every four years, but Argentina are not on that regular rotation. This isn’t a warm-up or a friendly. It’s a test match that could define careers.
And for Carreras, it’s one more step on a journey that has already taken him across continents, from Córdoba to Kingsholm, and now Bath — with a few Pumas triumphs along the way.
The stage is set. The Lions are still assembling. Argentina are already roaring. If there was ever a time for a famous upset, this might just be it.
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