Argentina will look to bounce back against New Zealand as the Rugby Championship returns to Buenos Aires for a second week running.
After the All Blacks opened their campaign with a win in Cordoba to reclaim the top spot in the world rankings, South Africa’s shock loss to Australia has left Scott Robertson’s side among the favourites to lift the trophy again. Argentina, buoyed by home support, will be eager to show they can rebound after a challenging spell, including a 2-0 series defeat to England in July.
Here’s everything you need to know.
When is Argentina vs New Zealand?
Argentina vs New Zealand kicks off at 10.10pm BST on Saturday 23 August at the Estadio Jose Amalfitani in Buenos Aires.
How can I watch it?
In the United Kingdom, Sky Sports will show the Rugby Championship. A live stream is available via Sky Go and NOW.
Team news
Felipe Contepomi names two changes to the Argentina side beaten last weekend. Mateo Carreras returns on the left wing with Bautista Delguy shifting to the right, while Juan Martin Gonzalez takes the openside role ahead of Marcos Kremer in a back-row contest.
New Zealand hand a Test debut to No 8 Simon Parker in the sole change to their starting XV. Parker’s introduction moves Ardie Savea to No 7, with Du’Plessis Kirifi omitted. Hooker Codie Taylor becomes the 14th All Black to reach a century of caps, while Wallace Sititi returns from injury on the bench.
Line-ups
Argentina XV: 1 Mayco Vivas, 2 Julian Montoya (capt.), 3 Pedro Delgado; 4 Franco Molina, 5 Pedro Rubiolo; 6 Pablo Matera, 7 Juan Martin Gonzalez, 8 Joaquin Ovideo; 9 Gonzalo Garcia, 10 Tomas Albornoz; 11 Mateo Carreras, 12 Santiago Chocobares, 13 Lucio Cinti, 14 Bautista Delguy; 15 Juan Cruz Mallia.
Replacements: 16 Ignacio Ruiz, 17 Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro, 18 Joel Sclavi, 19 Guido Petti, 20 Marcos Kremer; 21 Simon Benitez Cruz, 22 Santiago Carreras, 23 Justo Piccardo.
New Zealand XV: 1 Ethan de Groot, 2 Codie Taylor, 3 Fletcher Newell; 4 Scott Barrett (capt.), 5 Fabian Holland; 6 Tupou Vaa’i, 7 Ardie Savea, 8 Simon Parker; 9 Cortez Ratima, 10 Beauden Barrett; 11 Rieko Ioane, 12 Jordie Barrett, 13 Billy Proctor, 14 Sevu Reece; 15 Will Jordan.
Replacements: 16 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 17 Tamaiti Williams, 18 Pasilio Tosi, 19 Josh Lord, 20 Wallace Sititi; 21 Finlay Christie, 22 Quinn Tupaea, 23 Damian McKenzie.
What to watch for
– Simon Parker makes his into-the-test debut at No.8 for New Zealand, a move that will test his ball-carrying and link with Ardie Savea at the back of the scrum.
– Argentina are set to lean on a home crowd and a targeted game plan to disrupt the world champions with pace and aggression on the wide channels.
– Codie Taylor’s milestone caps mark a notable landmark for a seasoned All Blacks front row as they aim to maintain their ascendancy in the championship race.
Summary
Two heavyweights collide in Buenos Aires as Argentina seek to overturn recent form against a recharged All Blacks side aiming to consolidate their position at the top of world rugby. Expect fast ball, hard hits, and a tense atmosphere as both teams push for a crucial win.
A hopeful note
Argentina have the advantage of home support and a line-up built to trouble New Zealand, offering a compelling pathway to a much-needed statement victory in front of the locals.