The Rugby Championship resumes at McLean Park on Saturday, as the All Blacks host the Pumas with rain set to dampen the contest. Thankfully the conditions don’t look like they’ll quite match the opening round, but it’s still a shame that we won’t get the pristine conditions we saw in Auckland a fortnight ago. The Pumas of old might have been happy to trudge from set piece to set piece. This new group, by their own admission, very much prefers a dry, fast pitch.
Daniel Hourcade has made two changes to the team that couldn’t quite close it out in Salta. Pablo Matera’s shoulder surgery has ruled him out until the new year, so Leonardo Senatore is promoted from the bench, lining up at no8 with Juan Manuel Leguizamón pushing over to the flank. Horacio Agulla is recalled on the right wing, with Lucas González Amorosino switching to the left in place of Manuel Montero. This looks a horses-for-courses selection, as Montero’s kicking game isn’t as strong.
On the bench Lucas Noguera Paz rotates with Bruno Postiglioni as loosehead cover, and flanker Rodrigo Báez takes the vacant back row reserve spot. Santiago González Iglesias is back in at the expense of Jerónimo de la Fuente, and Juan Imhoff takes the place left open by Agulla’s promotion, effectively replacing Montero. The changes shouldn’t effect the side much, though the long-term loss of Matera is a blow.
New Zealand have made three changes. A chest injury to Aaron Cruden rules him out of this game at least, so Beauden Barrett at long last gets his first opportunity to start at his favoured flyhalf position after 19 caps as a reserve and a couple at fullback. The Hurricanes playmaker brings something different to the position, with real playmaking ability and a very handy passing game. On a dry day he is a deadly attacker, the rain will test his ability to adapt.
Ma’a Nonu makes a timely return at no12 as Ryan Crotty misses out with a cracked jaw that will keep him out for a month. In a tactical change, Israel Dagg is recalled at fullback, with Ben Smith moving to the wing and Cory Jane the one to miss out. Jane hasn’t shown much in the last couple games and must now be feeling the heat with Charles Piutau not far behind and Hosea Gear returning in the coming months. At 31 years old his World Cup ticket looks anything but secured.
Three more changes are found on the bench, with Charlie Faumuina sent home to find some form with Auckland and Joe Moody back in. Jeremy Thrush is preferred to Steven Luatua as lock cover with the conditions in mind, and Colin Slade takes Cruden’s squad place to act as backup for Barrett. Richie McCaw draws level with Ronan O’Gara, becoming just the fourth player to appear in 130 tests.
This one is New Zealand’s game to lose. Historical results, home field advantage, the weather, and most importantly form all heavily favour the All Blacks. If the rain somehow stays away the Pumas might keep things interesting, but either way expect this one to be wrapped up fairly early. New Zealand by 18.
NEW ZEALAND vs ARGENTINA
Saturday, September 6, 07:35 GMT, Napier
Referee: Pascal Gaüzère (FFR)
Assistants: Jerôme Garcès (FFR) & Rohan Hoffman (ARU)
TMO: Peter Marshall (ARU)
