Pumas v All Blacks
Kick-off: 9:10am Sunday 17 August (NZT)
Estadio Mario Alberto Kempes, Córdoba
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The All Blacks are anticipating a battle this weekend in Córdoba against an Argentinean side looking to make history with their first win in front of their home fans. Fullback Will Jordan is expecting "a lot of passion" from the Pumas, who come in of the back of victories over the All Blacks, Wallabies, Springboks, France and the British & Irish Lions in the past 12 months.
"In the Rugby Championship over the last few years, they've really challenged us," said Jordan.
"Particularly in the first games, we've lost the last couple of those in The Rugby Championship against them. So we know the first 20 minutes is going be important to try and silence will be a loud home crowd."
It will be the first time the All Blacks have played a test match in Argentina's second-largest city, although tour matches have been played in Córdoba in the past. Estadio Mario Alberto Kempes, named for the great hero of Argentina's maiden FIFA World Cup win in 1978, fits an impressive 57,000 capacity and will be full for the match on Sunday morning.
The All Blacks got a taste of what it was like to be in an Argentine football crowd over the weekend, with a large group of players attending a match between Boca Juniors and Racing Club in Buenos Aires.
"It's my first time ever in Argentina and first time at a soccer match," said Jordan.
Leandro Paredes of Boca Juniors takes a corner kick at Estadio Alberto J. Armando, Buenos Aires. Photo: Marcos Brindicci/Getty Images
"So it was pretty impressive. The boys were searching up the songs and chants the crowd was singing, that was cool to experience and I'm sure it'll be something similar come Saturday."
Assistant coach Jason Holland described the opening match of The Rugby Championship as a "massive challenge".
"The balance in their game at the moment is really good, they have a good ability to attack us across the field, certainly physically through the middle. We know we need to be really accurate with what we do to give them as little attacking opportunities as possible," said Holland.
Argentina players celebrate a try, Rugby Championship, New Zealand All Blacks v Argentina. Photo: Kerry Marshall / www.photosport.nz
It is highly likely we'll see a full strength All Black lineup this weekend, albeit still without the injured Tamaiti Williams and Wallace Sititi. Scott Robertson confirmed on Monday that the pair will not be considered till next week, with Fletcher Newell expected to start at prop and Tupou Vaa'i to carry on his blindside role.
The areas of interest are who will back up Cortez Ratima at halfback, given that Finlay Christie and Kyle Preston are both injury replacements, and whether Robertson pulls the trigger on young wing Leroy Carter given that Caleb Clarke is still out with an ankle injury.
Meanwhile, Pumas coach Felipe Contepomi has recalled Tomas Albornoz, Gonzalo Garcia, Franco Molina and Joel Sclavi, who were all rested for the recent series with England. Albornoz was commanding in the Pumas' breakthrough 28-24 win over the British & Irish Lions in Dublin and has now established himself as the team's permanent first five.
There will once again be a familiar face hunting down All Black ball carriers in the form of loose forward Pablo Matera, who won a Super Rugby title with the Crusaders under Robertson in 2022.
"I think they're a really strong side," said Jordan.
"If you go back a couple of months ago now when they beat the Lions…they're certainly powerhouse of world rugby at the moment. So coming over here, we know it's going to be huge challenge."
