Tonight two of the greatest All Blacks in rugby history, Richie McCaw and Dan Carter, will play their final game in front of their adoring Christchurch fans against Argentina in the Rugby Championship.
This has been the major theme heading into the All Blacks’ first match in this year’s Rugby Championship, against giant killers Argentina.
This year, being a World Cup year, has arguably more importance than previous years of the Rugby Championship. Both sides will be anxious to start not only the championship season on a good note, but hope that they can carry any momentum gained into the World Cup that follows.
Last year, Argentina proved many of their critics wrong, boasting strong performances against South Africa and Australia respectively. They even dominated an Australian squad and very nearly beat the All Blacks.
Expect much of the same intensity from the Argentinians this campaign. They have fielded a very strong squad, but have chosen to rest four of their stars. The squad includes Augustin Creevy (hooker) as captain.
On the contrary, the All Blacks have fielded a second string squad, but one that still packs punch. Several of the Super Rugby finalists will feature, including Otago Highlanders’ Fijian born winger Waisake Naholo, who will play his first international.
In truth, even the All Blacks second stringers have a chance of winning the World Cup. The All Blacks will start as overwhelming favourites, but the unpredictability of the Pumas will post problems for them.
All Blacks Squad:
1. Tony Woodcock, 2. Keven Mealamu, 3. Owen Franks, 4. Luke Romano, 5. Brodie Retallick, 6. Jerome Kaino, 7. Richie McCaw (c), 8. Kieran Read,9. TJ Perenara, 10. Daniel Carter, 11. Charles Piutau, 12. Sonny Bill Williams, 13. Ma’a Nonu, 14. Waisake Naholo, 15. Israel Dagg
Reserves:
16. Codie Taylor, 17. Wyatt Crockett, 18. Nepo Laulala, 19. Jeremy Thrush, 20. Liam Messam, 21. Andy Ellis, 22. Colin Slade, 23. Ryan Crotty
Argentina Squad:
15. Joaquin Tuculet, 14. Horacio Agulla, 13. Marcelo Bosch, 12. Jeronimo De la Fuente, 11. Santiago Cordero, 10. Nicolas Sanchez, 9. Tomas Cubelli, 8. Facundo Isa, 7. Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe, 6. Juan Manuel Leguizamon, 5. Guido Petti, 4. Manuel Carizza, 3. Ramiro Herrera, 2. Agustin Creevy (c), 1. Marcos Ayerza.
Reserves:
16. Julian Montoya, 17. Lucas Noguera, 18. Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro, 19. Benjamin Macome, 20. Javier Ortega Desio, 21. Martin Landajo, 22. Santiago Gonzalez Iglesias, 23. Lucas Gonzalez Amorosino.
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.
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