The All Blacks suffered a surprise defeat at the hands of the Springboks and proved that they too are human after all and not unbeatable as well. The Argentina Rugby, on the other hand, comes off an impressive win over the Wallabies. This was their second win of this year edition and they are increasingly become a trickier side to play against. Will NZ Rugby bounce back in a ruthless fashion or will the Pumas pull another shock once more? Here’s the All Blacks vs Argentina Rugby Preview, Prediction of the Rugby Championship 2018 round 5 fight.

Argentina vs New Zealand Rugby Fixture, Kickoff time, How to watch

After the round 3 showdown, All Blacks vs Argentina Rugby meeting will be held again in this Saturday for the round 5 matchup at the home soil of Argentina Rugby in Buenos Aires. Last they met in the All Blacks abode Nelson where NZ Rugby did the job beautifully by a record win 46-24. Let’s have a look at the schedule of this Saturday game.

  • What: Los Pumas vs All Blacks Rugby TRC Round 5
  • When: Saturday, 29th September 2018
  • Where: Estadio Jose Amalfitani, Buenos Aires, Argentina
  • Kickoff: 19:40 (Local), 22:40 (GMT)
  • TV: Super Sport, Sky Sports
  • How To Watch Live Stream: ARG vs NZ Rugby Live Streaming
  • Referee: Mathieu Raynal (France)
  • Assistant Referees: Jaco Peyper (South Africa), Marius van der Westhuizen (South Africa)
  • Television Match Official (TMO): David Grashoff (England)

Los Pumas Rugby Probable Squad

Boffeli, Delguy, Moroni, de la Fuente, Moyano, Sanchez, Bertranou, T. Chapparo, Creevy, Medrano, G.Petti, Lavanini, Matera, Kremer, and D. Ortega.

All Blacks Rugby Probable Veterans

Barrett J., Crotty, B. Smith, Lienert-Brown, Loane, B. Barrett, Tu’inukuafe, A. Smith, Taylor, O. Franks, Cane, S. Barrett, Squire, K. Read.

ARG vs Aus Rugby 15th Sep Match Stats (23-19)

The Pumas spelled their intent early in the game by grabbing a three-point lead through Boffelli against the Wallabies. However, they went behind through a Genia try. It didn’t last long as the Pumas scored a try via the on form N. Sanchez. Folau had other plans though as he crossed the line for the Wallabies. Boffelli would have the final say and he converted a massive penalty to ensure that the Pumas’ woes on the road came to an end by scoring 23-19.

Springboks vs NZ Rugby Round 4 Game (36-34)

On any given day, scoring 6 tries are in itself a dominant display, but in rugby, conversions can be match-winners and this was a classic case of such instances. B Barrett opened the scoring, and finally, Savea (74) went over the line for All Blacks but Smith and Barrett could only convert two tries meaning new Zealand missed out on 8 extra points.

Couple it with a late McKenzie knock-on and this was that day for the Kiwis. The Boks, on the other hand, scored 5 tries which were all converted for a maximum 8 extras. The Boks were so good that they didn’t concede a penalty in a promising position and end up with a narrow win 36-34.

All Blacks and Los Pumas Key Players to Watch

To deal with the All Blacks vs Argentina Rugby Preview, we need to detect both side’s key players. They are one of the weapons for both teams at the field.

  • New Zealand Rugby

This is the game that the Kiwis need Kieran Read the most. The captain will need to step up and organize his teammates to ensure that the loss to the Boks was just but a mere setback.

  • Argentina Rugby

Nicolas Sanchez has been spectacular in this test tournament. He has amassed a total of 54 points by himself and will be keen to stretch the stats even further.

All Blacks vs Argentina Rugby: The Stats Comparison

Los Pumas Rugby

Attack:

  • Tries – 12
  • Points Scored – 100
  • Carries Averaged per Game – 118.75
  • Offloads per Game – 7.5
  • Passes per Game – 150

Defense:

  • Tackles – 578
  • Missed Tackles – 130
  • Tackles Success -82%

Set Pieces & Phases:

  • Rucks Success – 96%
  • Scrums Success – 75%
  • Lineouts Success – 86%

All Blacks Rugby

Attack:

  • Tries – 24
  • Points Scored – 158
  • Carries Averaged per Game – 169.25
  • Offloads per Game – 12.5
  • Passes per Game – 227.25

Defense:

  • Tackles – 508
  • Missed Tackles – 86
  • Tackles Success -86%

Set Pieces & Phases:

  • Rucks Success – 97%
  • Scrums Success – 100%
  • Lineouts Success – 87%

All Blacks vs Argentina Rugby Preview, Prediction

New Zealand has won 3 out of 4 games in this year’s edition. Argentina has won 2 out of 4 games in this test edition. The Pumas so far can’t manage a win against the All Blacks except a draw. So, All Blacks should bounce back and record an easy win by scoring New Zealand 35 – Argentina 27.

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