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.
atlas
Guest
Not going to SA - Carter, SBW rested. Naholo out minimum 3mth broken bone in leg last night v Arg,, injured hooker Hika Elliot and Nehe Milner-Skudder
atlas
Guest
ABs squad for SA is as follows: Hookers: Dane Coles, Keven Mealamu and Codie Taylor Props: Wyatt Crockett, Ben Franks, Owen Franks, Nepo Laulala and Tony Woodcock Locks: James Broadhurst, Brodie Retallick, Luke Romano and Samuel Whitelock Loose forwards: Jerome Kaino, Richie McCaw, Liam Messam, Kieran Read and Victor Vito Halfbacks: Andy Ellis, TJ Perenara and Aaron Smith First five-eighths: Beauden Barrett, Colin Slade and Lima Sopoaga Midfielders: Ryan Crotty, Malakai Fekitoa, Ma'a Nonu and Conrad Smith Outside backs: Israel Dagg, Charles Piutau, Julian Savea and Ben Smith
NaBUru38
Guest
Remember than half of the first players and all the second players will be in the Argentine Super Rugby team
wardad
Guest
I dont know why people talk of an ABS second string team ,there is no such critter .When the ABS take the field that is the team first last and only.
Cadfael
Roar Guru
I thought te ABs would win and win handsomely which they have. I was surprised that they played SBW at 12 and Nonu at 13. I didn't think Sonny Bill had the form to start at 12. I still think Nonu will be the starting 12 for the big games at the RWC with Sonny Bill coming off the bench.
Kuruki
Roar Guru
The key for me tonight is Naholo, if he can show he can handle the next level and have a blinder it will put massive pressure on Dagg. Carter needs to show he can still threaten ball in hand, he has spoken about it this week so he needs to deliver. SBW needs to have a good one, he hasn't hit form yet in 2015.
Targa
Guest
Huge game for Dagg and SBW. The former seems a long way behind Ben Smith and the latter has been a shadow of his former self without Cruden next to him. Fekitoa and Crotty have much better this year.
Nobrain
Guest
Pumas problems are on the bench, specially front raws. 2nd problem is Cordero, great attacking but very weak defending, he will have his hands full against eaither Savea or Naholo. 3 rd problem: Fernadez Lobbe and Leguizamon did not play much this year, although very experience both players might be a bit out the necessary rugby time for this type of game. 4- The ABs are in front, and usually they do not take any prisioners.
Taylorman
Guest
That is one helluva lot of caps in that pack. Hope they can all keep up with the play!
Mark Simento
Roar Rookie
Looks like The Roar editors got to it before I did.
Mark Simento
Roar Rookie
Thanks for telling me this, I will try to sort it out.
WQ
Guest
Legends of All Black Rugby, wonderful servants to the game of Rugby and the most amazing ambassadors of New Zealand sport.
Brisbane boys
Guest
Should be a great game Argie Power game and passion. Having said that DC and RMc will not allow the AB's to lose the last game they will play at home. Good luck to both teams
Hopeful Blues Rugby Fan
Guest
You might need to update the article. Juan Hernandez is one of the stars being rested.