New Zealand All Blacks vs Argentina Los Pumas: Rugby Championship 2025 goes to Buenos Aires with a high-stakes showdown and a 100th-cap milestone
The second weekend of The Rugby Championship 2025 brings a fresh in-tournament showdown as the New Zealand All Blacks travel to Jose Amalfitani Stadium in Buenos Aires to face Argentina Los Pumas. The clash carries extra drama: NZ recall Tamaiti Williams and Wallace Sititi to the bench after injuries, while Codie Taylor is set to become the 100th All Black to reach a test cap. Argentina, meanwhile, will be out to break a long-standing curse on home soil and claim a historic victory over their southern rivals.
Context and significance
– The All Blacks were promoted back to the top of the world rankings after their win in the previous round, aided by South Africa’s loss to Australia.
– Argentina are chasing a landmark upset on their home turf, hoping to turn the tide after years of near-misses against New Zealand in Buenos Aires.
Kickoff and viewing
– Kickoff is at 5:10 p.m. Eastern Time on FloRugby for viewers in the United States and Canada.
– The Rugby Championship 2025 is being streamed in the US via FloRugby and the FloSports app.
Starting lineups and notable selections
New Zealand All Blacks (Starting XV)
– Ethan de Groot, Codie Taylor, Fletcher Newell, Scott Barrett (Captain), Fabian Holland, Tupou Vaa’i, Ardie Savea, Simon Parker, Cortez Ratima, Beauden Barrett, Rieko Ioane, Jordie Barrett, Billy Proctor, Sevu Reece, Will Jordan
– Replacements (bench): Samisoni Taukei’aho, Tamaiti Williams, Pasilio Tosi, Josh Lord, Wallace Sititi, Finlay Christie, Quinn Tupaea, Damian McKenzie
Argentina Los Pumas (Starting XV)
– Mayco Vivas, Julian Montoya (Captain), Pedro Delgado, Franco Molina, Pedro Rubiolo, Pablo Matera, Juan Martin Gonzalez, Joaquin Oviedo, Gonzalo Garcia, Tomas Albornoz, Mateo Carreras, Santiago Chocobares, Lucio Cinti, Bautista Delguy, Juan Cruz Mallia
– Replacements (bench): Ignacio Ruiz, Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro, Joel Sclavi, Guido Petti Pagadizabal, Marcos Kremer, Simon Benitez Crus, Santiago Carreras, Justo Piccardo
Key storylines and players to watch
– Codie Taylor makes a landmark appearance, earning his 100th Test cap for the All Blacks, a milestone celebrated by coach and squad alike.
– All Blacks head coach’s comments highlight the leadership role Taylor plays and the imperative to deliver a performance that makes him and his whānau proud in his centurion game.
– Argentina’s Tomas Albornoz is a pivotal player to monitor; FloRugby notes his recent scoring feats and influence, including a productive kicking game and the Pumas’ early-ball momentum.
– Montoya’s influence for Argentina remains critical. The captain’s performance, including his lineout work, is a key barometer for how Argentina can contest set pieces against New Zealand.
Recent live updates and context
– Early exchanges showed a competitive, tightly contested opening, with penalties and offside calls shaping the pace of the first 10 minutes.
– Argentina struck first with a penalty, while Beauden Barrett converted NZ’s first points, setting an early tone for a tight contest.
– The home crowd reacted with energy as the teams traded momentum, with Argentina taking an early advantage before NZ’s kickers responded.
– By the 5:28 p.m. ET update, Argentina led 6-3 in a first half defined by a rugged forward battle and tactical kicking.
What this means for The Rugby Championship standings
– A victory for Argentina would be a historic milestone on home soil, showcasing the Pumas’ growth and capacity to topple the world champions on familiar ground.
– The All Blacks will be aiming to extend their dominance in the head-to-head series and maintain footing atop the standings, leveraging their bench depth and experience, including Williams and Sititi returning to the fold.
Why this game matters beyond the score
– It’s a test of Argentina’s maturity against a proven heavyweight, with the home crowd hoping to witness a breakthrough performance that could reshape the balance of power in the southern hemisphere.
– For New Zealand, it’s about sustaining precision, managing pressure in a hostile environment, and continuing to build cohesion ahead of future fixtures.
Summary and outlook
– The second Rugby Championship clash in Buenos Aires features a landmark appearance for Codie Taylor, reinforcements for the All Blacks on the bench, and a determined Los Pumas side seeking a historic victory on home soil.
– With kickoff at 5:10 p.m. ET and FloRugby as the broadcast home in the US and Canada, fans can expect a tense, physically demanding contest that could shape the trajectory of The Rugby Championship 2025.
Additional value
– A historical stat to watch: New Zealand has historically dominated head-to-head matchups, but Argentina has shown resilience, including a recent win over France. The setting in Buenos Aires adds a unique home-field advantage that could influence early momentum.
– Tactical angle: Expect Argentina to lean on Montoya’s leadership in the lineout and breakdown speed, while NZ will rely on their powerful forwards and the tactical kicking game to stretch the Pumas and test their cover defense.
Note on sentiment
– The article presents a neutral-to-optimistic view of a competitive clash with a positive spin on milestone moments and the opportunity for both teams to showcase growth.