New Zealand vs Argentina Tips - All Blacks to be made to fight for Rugby Championship win

New Zealand have won six of their last seven matches against Argentina. Their last defeat came back in 2022 when Argentina won in New Zealand.

When they met at the Rugby World Cup in 2023, the All Blacks won the match 44-6.

Like many international sides, New Zealand have a new coaching structure and are in a bit of a transition phase. However, for a nation that prides itself on their rugby, they will have little leeway for poor results.

Against all odds, the All Blacks reached the World Cup final in 2023, losing out in the final to South Africa. They then beat England 2-0 in a very tightly contested series in July on home soil. That series was followed by a comfortable 47-5 win over Fiji.

The All Blacks have a dominant record in the Rugby Championship, winning the last four tournaments. They will want to make it five in a row in 2024, but Argentina will be no easy beats to get the tournament underway.

Scott Robertson has a few interesting selection dilemmas ahead of this game and the tournament as a whole. Particularly in the flyhalf and fullback positions. Will he stick with McKenzie or will Beauden Barrett make a return to the 10 jumper? The latter is also an option at 15.

Argentina have improved vastly in the last 10-15 years, but they have become a bit hit-and-miss in recent years. They are capable of beating anyone on their day, but also regularly get blown out of the water.

Last year Los Pumas made the semi-final of the Rugby World Cup, only to lose 44-6 to New Zealand in the semi-final. They then followed it up with a 26-23 loss in the third-place playoff.

In July, Argentina welcomed France for a two-match series with it ending 1-1. France sent a severely weakened side and managed to win the first Test 28-13. Argentina were far better in the second, winning 33-25 to level the series.

Los Pumas also saw off Uruguay 79-5, but they were never expected to struggle in that fixture. This will be the ultimate test for Los Pumas.

Michael Cheika will most certainly put out his strongest available side. There may be a few surprises though with youngsters starting to knock on the door.