Defending Rugby Championship Champions the All Blacks Brace for Tough Test Against Resurgent Los Pumas
BBC Rugby Union | 3 September 2023
The All Blacks kick off their Rugby Championship title defense with a challenging clash against an in-form Argentina side in Wellington. While Scott Robertson’s men are heavily favored, the Los Pumas possess the quality to make life difficult for the home team.
Despite the return of star full-back Will Jordan, Robertson has opted for the experienced Beauden Barrett at 15, with Sevu Reece and Mark Telea retaining their spots on the wings. In the midfield, Anton Lienert-Brown partners Jordie Barrett, while TJ Perenara and Damian McKenzie complete the backline.
In the pack, captain Ardie Savea leads from number eight, with Dalton Papali’i and Ethan Blackadder named as the flankers. The second-row sees Sam Darry slot in alongside Tupou Vaa’i, while the familiar front-row of Ethan de Groot, Codie Taylor, and Tyrel Lomax starts.
Argentina coach Felipe Contepomi has selected his strongest available side, with Juan Cruz Mallia at full-back and the experienced duo of Matias Moroni and Mateo Carreras on the wings. Lucio Cinti and Santiago Chocobares form the midfield pairing, while Santiago Carreras starts at fly-half and Gonzalo Bertranou completes the backline.
In a formidable forward pack, Juan Martin Gonzalez, Marcos Kremer, and captain Pablo Matera make up the back-row, with Pedro Rubiolo and Franco Molina in the locks. Thomas Gallo and Eduardo Bello start in the front-row, with Ignacio Ruiz retaining his spot.
“Both teams will be eager to make a strong statement of intent in this Rugby Championship opener. The All Blacks, eager to bounce back from their recent close shaves, will look to assert their dominance, while Argentina, buoyed by their recent resurgence, will seek a landmark victory that could shake up the tournament landscape.”
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