Can the Pumas derail this All Black season before it even really starts?
Kick-off: 9:10am Sunday 17 August
Estadio Mario Alberto Kempes, Córdoba
Live blog updates on RNZ
Analysis - Just what's at stake this weekend in Córdoba? When this season's All Blacks draw came out, all attention focused on the monster test with the Springboks at Eden Park, as well as the Grand Slam tour at the end of the year.
But the next two games are arguably just as huge. Scott Robertson's side faces a Pumas team that only has to look back 12 months for success and has a squad of players now used to beating the previously invincible All Blacks, plus is coming off a massive run of results since.
"They create a lot, they're a team with a lot of experience. A lot of them play in Europe, they're well coached and play with passion," said Robertson this week.
All Black Damian McKenzie in action against Argentina in the Rugby Championship match in Mendoza.
Photo:
gaspafotos / PhotoSport
"They've got speed to finish, so they're threatening. It's test footy and among the top eight anyone can beat anyone on the night. You've got to be at your best in every game."
Pretty standard stuff from the All Blacks, with all three players made available to media this week also noting the 'passion' the Argentineans will bring. Given that most of the Pumas players ply their trade in the Top 14, there admittedly isn't a lot to go on other than the times the All Blacks actually played against them - but that's something that will undoubtedly be sticking in their minds like a bad dream.
"Over the last few years, they've challenged us, particularly in the first game. We've lost a couple of those, so the first 20 minutes can be important," said
Will Jordan
.
Last year's shock 38-30 win by the Pumas in Wellington was notable for a couple of reasons, firstly because they rattled the All Blacks into one of the most embarrassing plays of their history when a regulation ruck on halfway ended up being fumbled all the way back to be forced dead over their own goal line.
Secondly, it should've really been more and this was clearly on the mind of coach Felipe Contepomi post-match, who took every opportunity to reinforce that this was a Pumas side that is not only confident of beating the All Blacks, but now expects it.
"It's how you win, sticking to your plan. That's what we're looking for and it wasn't the perfect game, there's lots of things to improve," he said after the win last year.
However, some old habits die hard. The Pumas have never been able to strong two decent performances together against the All Blacks and last year was no exception, as they were flogged 41-10 the following week at Eden Park.
New Zealand's Josh Lord and Argentina's Tomás Lavanini struggle during the Rugby Championship 2023 first round match between the Pumas and the All Blacks at the Malvinas Argentinas stadium in Mendoza, Argentina.
Photo:
Andres Larrovere / AFP)
It is likely we will know just whether it will be a regulation All Black victory after that opening period Jordan mentioned. But it's almost certain that two losses in a row has the potential to throw this season into disarray for Robertson, whose side has otherwise been building nicely towards the Rugby Championship.
But now the challenge for Contepomi's men is to get those results at home. History suggests Córdoba will be the best chance, given that all three of their victories have come in the first game of their Rugby Championship meetings, but history also implicitly states that Argentina is one place where the All Blacks may well be the most comfortable playing.
Aside from one test in 2019 that finished 20-16, the average winning margin over the Pumas in Argentina has been very handy. Will this change due the fact that they now come in having fashioned a record only the Pumas can over the last year? Or will the weight of expectation once again crush their spirit?
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