We head into round two of the Rugby Championship on Saturday with Argentina looking to bounce back against New Zealand and secure their first-ever home win over the All Blacks. Here’s a look at the clash taking place in Buenos Aires from a betting perspective.
Click here for the latest Outright Betting where New Zealand are now 1.36 favourites
Previous Test – Argentina v New Zealand (16 August)
Last week in New Zealand, the All Blacks produced a dominant display to claim a 41–24 victory. They flew out of the blocks, with Sevu Reece opening the scoring, and went on to lead 31–10 at halftime. Although Argentina responded with greater resilience after the break, edging the second half 14–10, the damage had already been done.
Argentina
Argentina have now won only two of their last five matches, those victories coming against the British & Irish Lions and Uruguay. Worryingly, they have played their last four fixtures at home but managed to win just once. They will need to raise their level considerably to trouble New Zealand.
Argentina starting lineup:
Argentina: 15 Juan Cruz Mallía (vc), 14 Bautista Delguy, 13 Lucio Cinti, 12 Santiago Chocobares, 11 Mateo Carreras, 10 Tomás Albornoz, 9 Gonzalo García, 8 Joaquín Oviedo, 7 Juan Martín González, 6 Pablo Matera (vc), 5 Pedro Rubiolo, 4 Franco Molina, 3 Pedro Delgado, 2 Julián Montoya (c), 1 Mayco Vivas
Replacements: 16 Ignacio Ruiz, 17 Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro, 18 Joel Sclavi, 19 Guido Petti, 20 Marcos Kremer, 21 Simón Benítez Cruz, 22 Santiago Carreras, 23 Justo Piccardo
New Zealand
South Africa’s defeat to Australia last weekend allowed New Zealand to reclaim the world number one ranking, and their consistency explains why. The All Blacks have won nine of their last ten matches, their only slip a narrow 30–29 defeat away to France last year. With form and depth across the park, they look every bit like the benchmark side once again.
New Zealand starting lineup:
New Zealand: 15 Will Jordan, 14 Sevu Reece, 13 Billy Proctor, 12 Jordie Barrett, 11 Rieko Ioane, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 Cortez Ratima, 8 Simon Parker, 7 Ardie Savea, 6 Tupou Vaa’i, 5 Fabian Holland, 4 Scott Barrett, 3 Fletcher Newell, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Ethan de Groot
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
Head-to-Head
Following last week’s result, New Zealand have now won their last four clashes with Argentina. Crucially, the All Blacks still maintain a perfect record in Argentina, having never lost there.
Betting & Verdict
New Zealand enter as firm favourites at 1.25, with Argentina trading at 5.00 and the draw at 31.00.
Handicap: Argentina +10.5
The All Blacks have quietly rebuilt their aura, while much of the spotlight in world rugby has been on South Africa. With nine wins from their last ten and their only defeat coming by a single point in France, they look set to keep their unbeaten record but I don’t think it will be a runaway win.
Suggested Bet: Winning Margin, New Zealand under 12.5 at 2.80
Last weekend, Argentina grew into the match and once New Zealand had the game wrapped up, the Pumas rallied to win the second half 14–10. With the home crowd behind them, I am backing them to avoid defeat in at least one of the halves.
Suggested Bet: Either team to win both halves – No at 1.80.
Click here for all Argentina v New Zealand Markets
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
