SportRugby
Champ Rugby Adopts 'Three Tries More' Bonus Point System
Champ Rugby, the second tier of English rugby union, is poised to adopt a new bonus point system for the 2026-27 season. This change mirrors...
23 days ago
SportRugby
All Blacks vs. Argentina: Rugby Championship 2025 Preview
10 months agoUS
The All Blacks face Argentina in Cordoba to open their 2025 Rugby Championship campaign. This match marks the first of two home games for Argentina against the All Blacks, providing a significant opportunity for the Pumas to test their mettle on home soil. The All Blacks, ranked No. 2 globally, aim to secure valuable ranking points ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup draw. The game kicks off at 5:10 p.m. ET.
Key Insights
•
Strongest Possible Side:: All Blacks coach Scott Robertson has named his strongest possible matchday 23, with no debutants for the first time in 2025.
•
Ratima at Halfback:: Cortez Ratima starts at halfback due to injuries to Cam Roigard and Noah Hotham, partnering with Beauden Barrett.
•
Barrett Returns:: Scott Barrett returns from a calf injury, partnering with Fabian Holland in the second row.
•
Pumas' Home Advantage:: Argentina hosts both matches against the All Blacks, offering a rare chance to challenge New Zealand at home.
•
Key Player - Will Jordan:: All Blacks' Will Jordan, with 42 tries in 44 tests, headlines a dangerous backline. Why this matters: Jordan's scoring ability can be a game-changer.
•
Pumas' Counterattack:: Argentina's counterattack is a major strength, particularly through fullback Juan Cruz Mallia. Why this matters: The Pumas can exploit turnovers and loose kicks.
•
Historical Context:: In 2024, Argentina shocked the All Blacks with a 38-30 win in New Zealand. However, the All Blacks haven't lost at Eden Park since 1994.
In-Depth Analysis
The All Blacks are looking to maintain their dominance, having never lost to Los Pumas in Argentina. Scott Robertson is keen on refining key combinations within the team. The Pumas, coached by Felipe Contepomi, are aiming to climb back into the top 5 in the World Rugby Rankings. Their summer form has been mixed, with a win against the British and Irish Lions, losses to England, and a victory over Uruguay.
Argentina needs consistency to challenge in the Championship. A key challenge for Argentina is backing up big wins, a trend they must reverse. The All Blacks, on the other hand, are seeking to build momentum towards the 2027 Rugby World Cup. Their experience and depth make them a formidable opponent. Analyst Philip Bendon notes the All Blacks' gifted power athletes are capable of breaking open a match at any moment. Argentina will look to exploit any opportunities through their strong counter-attacking ability, led by Juan Cruz Mallia.
FAQs
•
Q: When and where is the match?
The match is on August 16 at Estadio Mario Alberto Kempes in Córdoba, Argentina, kicking off at 5:10 p.m. ET.
•
Q: How can I watch the match in the US?
The match will be streamed live on FloRugby and the FloSports app. It will also stream for free on FloRugby's YouTube and Facebook accounts in the United States.
•
Q: What are the team lineups?
Refer to the article for the starting XVs for both Argentina and New Zealand.
Key Takeaways
•
The All Blacks are fielding a strong team with key players returning from injury.
•
Argentina has a chance to prove themselves with two home games against the All Blacks.
•
Keep an eye on Will Jordan for the All Blacks and Juan Cruz Mallia for Argentina as potential game-changers.
•
The match is crucial for both teams as they aim to build momentum for future competitions.
Discussion
Do you think Argentina can defeat the All Blacks on home soil? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Share this article with others who need to stay ahead of this trend!
Related Articles
SportRugby
Ireland vs. South Africa: A Clash of Rugby Titans in the Autumn Nations Series
The Autumn Nations Series features a highly anticipated clash between Ireland and South Africa. This match is more than just a game; it's a ...
7 months ago
SportRugby
Ireland Rugby Team Prepares for All Blacks Test in Chicago
Ireland's rugby squad is preparing for a highly anticipated Test match against the New Zealand All Blacks in Chicago. Despite a recent defea...
8 months ago
SportRugby
Bledisloe Cup 2025: Wallabies vs All Blacks – Key Match Updates
The Wallabies faced the All Blacks in the second Bledisloe Cup Test in Perth. This match is pivotal in the 2025 Rugby Championship. The game...
8 months ago
⚠ Disclaimer: Yanuki provides article summaries and links for reference only. Yanuki does not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy of third-party sources. Please review original sources and verify information independently. Managed by the Yanuki Data Engine. Full Disclaimer