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Argentina host the All Blacks this morning, in what should be a fascinating and bruising battle. Join us for live scores from 8am AEST, and feel free to leave a comment below.
Three weeks after their last battle in Napier, virtually the same teams will reengage for a second stab at each other today in Buenos Aires.
Although the All Blacks were triumphant by almost twenty points in the end, the Pumas may have reason to be a little satisfied. A 12-ranked team put the best squad in the world under pressure in the fundamental part of rugby – the scrum.
The All Blacks, having observed the Wallabies performance against Argentina, will be keen to turn around their own scrum. The tight five from both sides are almost the same as their last encounter. The exception is 35-year-old hooker Keven Mealamu stepping in for Dan Coles, who will stay home for the birth of his first child. The Chiefs hooker Nathis Harris will come in at bench.
Pumas 130kg boy-mountain second rower Lavanini will return following a one match ban after his last encounter against New Zealand. Another returnee is flanker Jerome Kaino – back from injury.
As Ma’a Nonu was injured in their last game, the All Blacks will field Malakai Fekitoa at centre, who will look to step his way through an array of Argentinean defenders. He will be complemented by Julian Savea, Ben Smith, Israel Dagg and Beauden Barrett to boot. Barrett comes for Aaron Cruden who was stood down for this game due to off-field behaviour.
Argentina’s star half-back Martin Landajo will come in as an impact player. Tomas Cubelli will start along with flyhalf partner Nicolas Sanchez. Impressive try scoring winger Manuel Montero will also start along with wing-mate Juan Imhoff.
The Pumas scrum is their flagship offensive weapon. They have put the Springboks scrum to the sword twice and the All Blacks once. But they failed to deliver the same kind of performance against the Wallabies. They will look to lift this part of the game again, and combat the loose scrum in earnest.
The All Blacks, on the other hand, have now played 21 consecutive matches without a loss. Their previous record is 23. Savea continues to score tries: 26 in 26 games. He will look to score more in this game – perhaps closer to the posts, because of the All Blacks poor goal kicking form.
In their last game, which was against the Wallabies, the Argentinians have shown great skill and initiative by keeping ball in hand during the second half. They almost won the match. They will probably want to continue this, retain possession and try to challenge the All Blacks game.
Join us from 8am for a call of the game. It should be a cracker!
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.