All Blacks Aim to Continue Dominance Over Pumas in โLatest Test Clash
Buenos Aires, Argentina โค – The All Blacks โขface Argentina’s Pumas this weekend seeking to extend a formidable record against their South American rivals and solidify their position in โขthe rugby Championship. Coming off a recent victory, New Zealand will aim to avoid a repeat of last week’s injury โขconcerns while maintaining โtheir winning momentum.
Historically, the Pumas have struggled against the All blacks on home soil, having neverโฃ secured a win in 15 attempts. Their only positive result against New Zealand in Argentina was a 21-all draw โin Buenos Aires in November 1985. The All Blacks boast a strong recent record winning 10 of their last 11 tests and currently riding a five-game winning streak. A victory โwould mark their longest consecutive win run since โNovember 2022. though,the team has shown vulnerabilityโ in closing out matches,only โขoutscoring opponentsโ in the second half โonce in their last four games.
Key players for the All Blacks include fullback Will Jordan, who has been directly involved in eight triesโ across his last five tests (scoring โฃfive and assistingโ three), and winger Sevu Reece, who has scored three tries in โฃhis last โขthree tests against the Pumas.โฃ
The Allโ Blacks receive aโค boost with the return of Williams and Sititi, โขdescribed by coach Scott Robertson as “big bodies” who have “worked really hard.” Robertson emphasized the importance of their availability โฃfor this test match, stating, “The timing for this โขopportunityโฆthem getting back for this test match is really important.”
Hooker Codie Taylor will reach a significant milestone, playing his 100th test match. Reflecting on the achievement, Taylor said, “It was always a dream asโ a kid toโ wear the jersey. โขTo fulfil that with one test,โ let alone what’s about to happen this weekend, I never would have thought of that.”
Their โmost recent encounter saw the All Blacks defeat the pumas 41-24. While leading comfortably 31-10 at halftime,New Zealand allowed Argentina toโข rally,closing the gap to a converted try before late tries from replacement hooker Samisoni Taukei’aho secured the win.
Looking โคahead, the All Blacks will likely focus on a controlled forward game, particularly if the Pumas maintain possession. Utilizing โthe skills of Will Jordan โคwill be crucial, as his recent breakout play that lead to a try for Cortez Ratima proved โimpactful in their last match. A win will be vital as they aim to retain the Rugby Championship title.
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/sport/570814/all-blacks-v-argentina-what-you-need-to-know