Shoguns feature on both sides in Buenos Aires

Debutant
By Duncan Wood
June 21 2002

Congratulations to Phil Christophers who will make his international debut against Argentina tomorrow. He'll be up against two Bristol team mates who, in the nicest possible way, will be hoping to make it a miserable occasion for him!

It may have only been a two match tour for England but it looks as though it will have been a pretty tough one.

On Monday, the England A team slipped to a hard fought and close defeat against Argentina A. Lining up on opposite sides were former Bristol team mates, Eduardo Simone and David Rees.

Tomorrow sees the full international, a one off clash. Argentina come into the game off the back of a stunning and slightly unexpected win over France. England, on the other hand, have been forced to tour with what is very much an experimental side.

5 players make their full international debuts tomorrow including Bristol winger, Phil Christophers. It's going to be fascinating to see how Phil gets on particularly as his Bristol colleagues, Agustin Pichot and Felipe Contepomi, will be facing him and occupying key positions in the Pumas lineup.

England look vulnerable. Argentina is always a difficult place to tour even when you've got your best side available. Back in 1997, England managed to draw the Test series 1-1. In that series, they won the first test but were weakened by the second by call ups to the Lions tour of South Africa.

For Bristol fans, it's a rare chance to see Shoguns players on opposite sides in an international fixture. It'll be strange almost wishing for Felipe and Gus to have a poor game. Personally, I hope that all three Bristol boys have a good game but that England come out on top!