Super sub Montoya - a team man
He has to start most matches on the bench but even so, the 21-year-old has already made quite an impression for someone so young, especially one involved in the dark arts of the front row. His 14 caps have brought four tries.
Two of those came during this World Cup – against Tonga and Namibia – and while the latter match was his only start this campaign, he is happy to play a vital role off the bench.
"They [the coaching staff] tell us to be a breath of fresh air for the players on the pitch. Personally, I try to add to the team in whatever way I can. I love playing and try to make the most of the opportunities they give me. The head coach tells us to bring on fresh legs, to run a lot and keep the intensity up," Montoya said.
Next up for Argentina are Australia in the semi-finals on Sunday, a team who have had their scrum rejuvenated by a cult Argentine figure, Mario Ledesma.
Ledesma was Argentina's hooker when the South Americans roared their way to the 2007 semi-finals, but now 'Super Mario' is the Wallabies' forwards coach and has been passing on his vast knowledge to a pack once regarded as a soft touch.
"We still haven't studied it in-depth, but we know them and their scrum will be extremely tough because they've come a long way there. Australia wasn't really a scrummaging team and now they're very good at it.
"It will be very close, and for us it's great if they scrummage a lot because it will tire them. I don't know Ledesma but I know he's been very instrumental in improving their scrum," he added.
Montoya has now matched Ledesma's achievement in reaching a World Cup semi-final but the next challenge is to set a new high by reaching their first final. To do that, they will have to find a way past a team who have reached three finals – winning in 1991 and 1999 while losing in 2003.
Several players from 2007 remain in Argentina's squad to help guide the new younger generation, though Creevy was not among that group and there is a chance he may miss the semi-final through injury, meaning a huge responsibility for Montoya.
"We talk a lot about enjoying this experience. Of course there's pressure but the senior players like [Juan Martin] Fernandez Lobbe or [Horacio] Agulla, tell us to enjoy what's happening. I hope 'Agus' [Creevy] will be able to start because he's an excellent player and if I'm selected I'll certainly do my best," he stated.
@WorldRugby
