New Zealand gets one of its toughest matches in the Rugby World Cup Pool Stage when it opens its campaign against Argentina. The two are the favorites to progress from Pool C into the quarterfinals. Who takes this crucial clash in the Pool Stage? Will New Zealand be its usual self, winning in dominant fashion? Or will Argentina get a big upset right out of the gates? Read on for a complete preview of this match.
Get everything you need to know for Pool C with our complete preview here. If you’re looking for more Rugby action, check out our breakdown for England vs. Fiji.
[sc:Other240banner ]New Zealand is coming into the Rugby World Cup looking to take it all with their impressive collection of players. 24-year-old Nehe Milner-Skudder should give the All Blacks a spark with his great running ability, using his size and speed for his offloading skills. He has scored on a total of four tries in three matches in 2015 (two Tests and one match in the Rugby Championship).
Julian Savea should also give the All Blacks a physically powerful player with excellent finishing instinct. Savea could top the World Cup try charts as evidenced by his 150 career points. A relentless veteran in Richie McCaw should give the team a boost with his experience. He has 142 caps with just 15 defeats.
The All Blacks are already loaded with talent. They also have some sleepers who could wake up and give their team a boost in production. Ben Smith is good anywhere near outside fly-half. He could be the sneaky surprise New Zealand has when Argentina focuses on defending high-profile teammates Savea and Milner-Skudder.
New Zealand is 20-0-1 in 21 rugby union matches played against Argentina all-time.
Betting on Argentina
Argentina is the next best team in Pool C, right after the All Blacks. The Argentinian squad has a handful of veterans who could give New Zealand some problems headed by fullback Juan Martin Hernandez. The 12-year veteran has scored 211 career points in his international rugby career. He should be solid with some capable players to support him.
Winger Juan Imhoff has been solid with 90 points since 2010. He’s scored 25 points in The Rugby Championship after his World Cup debut in 2011. Centre Marcelo Bosch should also be solid after scoring 37 points on four tries, one conversion, four penalty goals and one drop goal in 19 matches since 2012.
Hooker and team captain Agustin Creevy solidifies the Pumas in the front row. A mobile hooker with good ball handling skills, Creevy has good offloading skills that could help get the ball to the Pumas’ scoring threats should he take a tackle.
Argentina has won four of its last six matches in the World Cup.
Writer’s Prediction
New Zealand blows through for a big win, but Argentina does just enough to cover +21.5.
