New Zealand may be favourites on paper, but the aura of guaranteed victory is long gone as they face a resurgent Argentina in their Rugby Championship opener at Estadio Mario Alberto Kempes in Córdoba on Saturday.
Kick-off is scheduled for 23:10 (SA time).
While the All Blacks boast a dominant historical record – winning 28 of the first 29 matches between the two sides – the Pumas have claimed three victories in their last 10 encounters, including memorable wins in Christchurch and Wellington.
“We want to play fast and be really strong at the set-pieces,” said All Black prop Fletcher Newell, noting that the team is still working to “find its identity” under new head coach Scott Robertson.
Barrett at 10, McKenzie on Bench
Robertson has selected Beauden Barrett at flyhalf ahead of Damian McKenzie, citing Barrett’s experience and game management.
“Beauden’s in great form, so he gets picked,” said Robertson.
“DMac is one of the best players in the game to come off the bench and change the pace. It’s a great balance.”
The All Blacks head into this clash off a 3-0 Test series win over France, though the visitors were missing key stars like Antoine Dupont.
In contrast, Argentina’s form remains erratic – having stunned the British & Irish Lions in Dublin before falling to a weakened England in back-to-back home defeats.
Crowd Passion a Factor in Córdoba
Robertson acknowledged the role of the raucous Argentine crowd, even taking his players to a local football match for a taste of the intensity.
“They can get a lot of momentum from the energy of the crowd,” Robertson said.
“That’s why we’re here, that’s what we love. South America – you’ve got that passion.”
Argentina loose forward Marcos Kremer believes the key to victory lies in forward dominance.
“The key is to give our backs a plentiful supply of ball. They have the ability to cause problems for any opponents,” he said.
With a blend of youthful hunger and seasoned leadership, this opening match promises to be a fierce battle, as the All Blacks aim to set the tone in the southern hemisphere’s most prestigious competition – but they’ll do so knowing that Argentina can no longer be underestimated.
Prediction
New Zealand to win by 8 points
TEAMS
Argentina
15 Juan Cruz Mallía, 14 Rodrigo Isgró, 13 Lucio Cinti, 12 Santiago Chocobares, 11 Bautista Delguy, 10 Tomás Albornoz, 9 Gonzalo García, 8 Joaquín Oviedo, 7 Marcos Kremer, 6 Pablo Matera, 5 Pedro Rubiolo, 4 Franco Molina, 3 Pedro Delgado, 2 Julián Montoya (captain), 1 Mayco Vivas
Replacements: 16 Ignacio Ruiz, 17 Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro, 18 Joel Sclavi, 19 Guido Petti, 20 Juan Martín González, 21 Simón Benítez Cruz, 22 Santiago Carreras, 23 Justo Piccardo
New Zealand
15 Will Jordan, 14 Sevu Reece, 13 Billy Proctor, 12 Jordie Barrett, 11 Rieko Ioane, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 Cortez Ratima, 8 Ardie Savea, 7 Du’Plessis Kirifi, 6 Tupou Vaa’i, 5 Fabian Holland, 4 Scott Barrett (captain), 3 Fletcher Newell, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Ethan de Groot
Replacements: 16 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 17 Ollie Norris, 18 Pasilio Tosi, 19 Patrick Tuipulotu, 20 Samipeni Finau, 21 Finlay Christie, 22 Anton Lienert-Brown, 23 Damian McKenzie
Date: Saturday, 16 August
Venue: Estadio Mario Alberto Kempes, Cordoba
Kick-off: 21:10 (SA time)
Referee: Pierre Brousset (France)
Assistant referees: Nic Berry (Australia), Morné Ferreira (South Africa)
TMO: Marius van der Westhuizen (South Africa)
Your score prediction for the Argentina vs All Blacks Test?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1
Subscribe to The South African website’s newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
