Finlay Christie returns for All Blacks against Los Pumas

All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson has opted for as much consistency as injuries allow in his selected team for the opening round of the Rugby Championship in Córdoba, Argentina.

It will be the 40th contest between the All Blacks and Los Pumas, with all of the results registered on Argentine soil going the Kiwis’ way to date.

However, recent history outside Latin America has been less favourable for New Zealand, with the Pumas developing into a side now regarded as a ‘powerhouse of world rugby’ within the All Blacks camp.

And so, Robertson has looked to his heavy-hitters to start their Rugby Championship campaign on a high note.

Led by returning captain Scott Barrett, who missed the final of the July series Tests against France with a calf injury, the team will head into the Cauldron of Córdoba, which has not seen All Blacks rugby since 1976.

“We’ve had a great week of training in Buenos Aires, and the group is ready to go out and perform,” coach Robertson said. “Scott and our leaders have led from the front, and there’s a lot of focus and motivation in the group for the start of the campaign.

“We know the Pumas identity is a fast and physical game, and we’ve selected a team that will embrace the occasion. It’s been 30 years since the All Blacks played in Córdoba, and we are looking forward to the passion and energy of the home crowd.”

Head-to-Head

Last 5 Meetings

Wins

2

Draws

0

Wins

3

Average Points scored

21

36

First try wins

60%

Home team wins

40%

New Zealand team to play Argentina 

1.  Ethan de Groot (32)

2.  Codie Taylor (98)

3.  Fletcher Newell (25)

4.  Scott Barrett (81) (Captain)

5.  Fabian Holland (3)

6.  Tupou Vaa’i (40)

7.   Du’Plessis Kirifi (3)

8.  Ardie Savea (97) (Vice-Captain)

9.  Cortez Ratima (14)                                                             

10. Beauden Barrett (136)

11. Rieko Ioane (83)

12. Jordie Barrett (71) (Vice-Captain)

13. Billy Proctor (4)

14. Sevu Reece (34)

15. Will Jordan (44)

Reserves:

16. Samisoni Taukei’aho (33)

17.  Ollie Norris (2)

18. Pasilio Tosi (9)

19. Patrick Tuipulotu (53)

20. Samipeni Finau (11)

21.  Finlay Christie (23)

22. Anton Lienert-Brown (85)

23. Damian McKenzie (64)

Unavailable for selection: Tamaiti Williams (knee); Wallace Sititi (ankle)