Argentina v New Zealand: Lineups and latest Rugby Championship updates
New Zealand, who finished second in last year's edition, claimed a 3-0 series victory against an under-strength France last month. Before South Africa won the Rugby Championship last year, New Zealand were victors in the previous three editions. Speaking ahead of the game, their head coach Scott Robertson is looking forward to the challenge of playing on Argentinian soil.
'We have had a great week of training in Buenos Aires, and the group is ready to go out and perform,' Robertson said. 'Scott [Barrett] and our leaders have led from the front, and there is a lot of focus and motivation in the group for the start of the campaign. We know the Pumas identity is a fast and physical game, and we have selected a team that will embrace the occasion. It has been 30 years since the All Blacks played in Córdoba, and we are looking forward to the passion and energy of the home crowd.
'We have got a balanced and experienced squad. Obviously, we used the three Tests against the French to play our whole squad, and now we are focusing in on a very, very good Argentinian team; they have picked a strong squad. There is a lot of experience in their team too, so it is going to be a great game. We like playing fast; they play fast and skilled rugby. So, it is on.'
New Zealand beat Argentina 42-10 at home in the Rugby Championship last year but lost 30-38 at home. Earlier today Australia pulled off a sensational shock win in South Africa, coming from 22-0 down to win 22-38. Kick-off from Cordoba is at 10.10pm BST.
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