The All Blacks are gearing up to face Argentina in what is expected to be a tough match in Wellington. Despite being favorites, the New Zealand team is not taking their opponents lightly, especially after Argentina’s surprise victory on New Zealand soil in 2022.
Vice-captain Jordie Barrett is still feeling the sting of that defeat and is determined to ensure history does not repeat itself. With captain Scott Barrett and lock Patrick Tuipulotu out with injuries, new faces like Tupou Vai’i and Sam Darry will be stepping up to fill the gaps in the team.
One player to watch out for is Will Jordan, who is set to make his return after recovering from a shoulder injury. Coach Scott Robertson is confident in Jordan’s abilities and believes he will make a significant impact coming off the bench.
In the midfield, Anton Lienert-Brown has been chosen over Rieko Ioane, showcasing the depth of talent in the All Blacks squad. Lienert-Brown, a veteran of over 70 tests, is drawing inspiration from New Zealand athletes at the Paris Olympics and is eager to make his mark against Argentina.
While the All Blacks are favored to win, Robertson is wary of the threat that Argentina poses, especially with their strong forward pack and passionate play. The team is focused on starting the Rugby Championship on a high note, as they have two must-win matches against Argentina before facing the world champions in South Africa.
Despite their recent struggles in Wellington, the All Blacks are determined to turn things around and put an end to their winless streak in the capital. Jordie Barrett acknowledges the challenge ahead but is confident in his team’s abilities to rise to the occasion.
With a mix of experienced players and new faces, the All Blacks are ready to face Argentina and kick off their Rugby Championship title defense in style. Fans can expect an intense and competitive match as both teams look to make their mark in the tournament.