Argentina’s Los Pumas open their 2025 Rugby Championship with a home test against the New Zealand All Blacks on August 16, a clash staged at Estadio Mario Alberto Kempes in Córdoba as the team looks to recapture some of the magic from one of the program’s most famous wins.
Last year’s memory still looms large: Argentina stunned the All Blacks 38-30 in Wellington, only to be edged out at Eden Park a week later, a venue where New Zealand has not lost since 1994. This time, both championship matches will be played in Argentina, giving Felipe Contepomi’s side a rare chance to test New Zealand twice on home soil.
The All Blacks arrive as the world No. 2 team, having won three straight against France in July. Coach Scott Robertson’s squad is chasing ranking points ahead of December’s Rugby World Cup draw. “The bar is high, but the All Blacks rarely operate below it,” FloRugby analyst Philip Bendon said.
Argentina’s summer form has been mixed. The Pumas began with a victory over the British and Irish Lions, then dropped two to England before closing July with a comprehensive win over Uruguay. Ranked No. 7, Argentina is aiming to climb back into the top five, tightening the gap with England and Australia in the World Rugby Rankings. Kickoff is set for August 16 in Córdoba.
Match viewing and coverage: FloRugby will stream the game for subscribers in North America, with live replays and analysis available on FloRugby.com and the FloSports app. The contest will also stream for free on FloRugby’s YouTube and Facebook pages in the United States.
Los Pumas field a starting XV and replacements listed as follows:
Starting XV: Mayco Vivas, Julián Montoya (captain), Pedro Delgado, Franco Molina, Pedro Rubiolo, Pablo Matera (vice-captain), Marcos Kremer, Joaquín Oviedo, Gonzalo García, Tomás Albornoz, Bautista Delguy, Santiago Chocobares, Lucio Cinti, Rodrigo Isgró, Juan Cruz Mallía (vice-captain)
Replacements: 16 Ignacio Ruiz, 17 Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro, 18 Joel Sclavi, 19 Guido Petti, 20 Juan Martín González, 21 Simón Benítez Cruz, 22 Santiago Carreras, 23 Justo Piccardo
The All Blacks lineup for Test One against Argentina features: Ethan de Groot, Codie Taylor, Fletcher Newell, Scott Barrett (captain), Fabian Holland, Tupou Vaa’i, Du’Plessis Kirifi, Ardie Savea (vice-captain), Cortez Ratima, Beauden Barrett, Rieko Ioane, Jordie Barrett (vice-captain), Billy Proctor, Sevu Reece, Will Jordan
Replacements: 16 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 17 Ollie Norris, 18 Pasilio Tosi, 19 Patrick Tuipulotu, 20 Samipeni Finau, 21 Finlay Christie, 22 Anton Lienert-Brown, 23 Damian McKenzie
What to watch for as the series begins:
– The hosts’ counterattack remains a weapon, with Argentina having shown long-range scoring ability in Wellington last year. Fullback Juan Cruz Mallía, with European club experience, is seen as central to unlocking that threat again.
– Argentina will need to back up a big performance at home this year, a recurring challenge for the Pumas, if they hope to contend for a Championship push beyond the pool stage.
– For New Zealand, the backline includes a potent mix of pace and power, with Will Jordan creating danger across multiple roles and a backline that can strike at a moment’s notice.
Rugby Championship 2025 schedule (highlights)
– Aug. 16
– Aug. 23
– Sept. 6
– Sept. 13
– Sept. 27
– Oct. 4
Watching options in the United States
– FloRugby and the FloSports app will carry the The Rugby Championship 2025 matches, including live streams, archives and match analysis.
– FloRugby’s YouTube and Facebook pages will offer free streams of select fixtures.
Commentary and context
– The opening clash in Córdoba represents a chance for Argentina to start strong with back-to-back home fixtures against the All Blacks, a strategic door-opener for their championship campaign.
– The All Blacks arrive feeling the pressure of ranking points but carry a tradition of excellence that makes them formidable opponents wherever they play.
Summary
Argentina begins 2025 with a home date against the All Blacks, aiming to translate a historic win into a successful campaign and keep their hopes alive of rising back into the World Rugby top five. The Pumas will rely on a-balanced forward effort and a dangerous backline to counter New Zealand’s depth, while the All Blacks seek to maintain momentum and ascend in the global rankings. With both teams ready for a competitive start, Córdoba will serve as the theatre for a telling early chapter in this year’s Rugby Championship.
Positive note
A strong showing at home against the All Blacks could spark renewed belief in Argentina’s project, energize the fan base and help build momentum for a challenging schedule ahead.