Pumas scrumhalf Tomas Cubelli says “brother” Christian Lealiifano’s potential return to the Test arena is an inspiration to the global rugby community.
Cubelli spent two seasons playing for the Brumbies, joining the Canberra side in 2016 before moving home to the Jaguares in 2018.
The pair could line up against each other on Saturday night, if Lealiifano can shake off a shoulder concern that has hindered his chance to return to the Wallabies side last weekend.
Lealiifano was ruled out of Australia’s match against the Springboks with a shoulder injury and he will be monitored closely in training ahead of Saturday’s second Test.
During his time at the club, Cubelli said Lealiifano welcomed him with open arms and he was as pleased as anyone to see how his former teammate had worked his way back into the national fold.
“For me, he's a friend and a brother, so watching him play for the Wallabies, representing his country after trying to find a spot for so many seasons trying to find a spot, I think he really deserves it so I enjoy it for him."
In that same season that Cubelli started with the Brumbies, Lealiifano played for the Wallabies in the 2016 England Series before being diagnosed with Leukaemia, but still had time for his new teammate.
“He had a lot of impact on me on my first season as a player (with the Brumbies), he made things really easy in Canberra, then he showed me his character outside the field,” he said.
“He's really an inspiration for not only me but for all of world rugby so after all the things he's passed, to see him play now with the Wallabies would be really great.”
While it would be extra special for Cubelli to see Leallifano don the Wallabies gold, he would also relish the chance to face off against a host of his former teammates in Brisbane.
“We did that two times this year so it will be one more,” he said.
“I think it's a good thing, it's a good part of rugby.”
Cubelli and the Pumas are looking to continue the momentum that the Jaguares created in Super Rugby, making it to their first Super Rugby final, before losing to the Crusaders.
Twenty-one Jaguares featured in their opening Rugby Championship match against the All Blacks, a 20-16 loss to the Kiwis.
Cubelli said they felt the mix of combinations from Super Rugby and the addition of a handful of big-name overseas-based players could be the ingredients for success for the 2015 Rugby World Cup semi-finalists.
“The Super Rugby campaign of the Jaguares built some confidence for our players and we’re trying to bring this to Argentina team, with the combination and the mix of the experience of some guys that are playing in Europe,” he said.
“It could be a good mix from that and we are enjoying being altogether and trying to put the Argentina jersey in the top of world rugby.”
The Pumas took a win when they faced off against the Wallabies on the Gold Coast last year but were on the wrong side of a miracle comeback in the return fixture in Salta.
Cubelli said they were keen to right the wrongs of that most recent match as they prepare for Australia.
“We don't have the best memories of the last game so we're a bit disappointed of that game, of that second half in Salta,” he said
“So, we’re trying to change a bit our last memory.
“They have a lot of big names in the squad and a lot of possible combinations in all the teams.
“So, it's going to be a really hard game and we are really looking forward to it.”
The Wallabies host Argentina at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday July 27, kicking off at 7:45pm AEST, LIVE on Network Ten, FOX SPORTS, Kayo Sports and via RUGBY.com.au RADIO. Buy tickets here.
