New Zealand kick off the defence of their Rugby Championship title by hosting Argentina in Wellington on Saturday with new All Blacks coach Scott Robertson chasing his fourth straight win since taking charge.
The Pumas warmed up for the two Tests in New Zealand with a 12-try thrashing of neighbours Uruguay in a 179-5 victory after a 1-1 draw in their home series with France.
New Zealand blooded several new players in their 47-5 win over Fiji in San Diego last month having been made to work for two narrow victories in their 2-0 series win over England.
All Blacks captain Scott Barrett is sidelined after surgery to a finger injury, so misses the two games against the Pumas, at Sky Stadium then Auckland’s Eden Park with world player of 2023 Ardie Savea wearing the skipper’s armband for the hosts.
Here are the top five talking points from the All Blacks camp in the build up:
- All Blacks try-scoring ‘Ferrari’ Will Jordan returns after injury lay off
Will Jordan has grabbed 31 tries in as many Tests since a 2020 debut, a scoring rate which puts the 26-year-old on course to beat John Kirwan’s record of 67 tries for the All Blacks.
Jordan missed the entire Super Rugby Pacific campaign for the Crusaders with a shoulder injury and last played a Test in the World Cup final defeat to South Africa.
After a 60-min run out for his province Tasman last weekend in Christchurch, under the watchful eye of the All Blacks coach, Jordan will be on the bench to face Argentina as cover for full-back Beauden Barrett, wingers Mark Tele’a or Sevu Reece.
“He scored a trademark try and his anticipation was good. He’s in good nick, he’s fit, he’s ready to go,” Robertson said of Jordan.”Beauden’s been exceptional, so having Jordan off the bench to make an impact will be special.”
The fleet-footed Jordan grabbed a hat-trick of tries when Argentina were dismissed 44-6 by New Zealand in the World Cup semi-finals last October.
“Will’s looking great in training,” All Blacks fly-half Damian McKenzie said ahead of the championship opener. “He’s like a Ferrari — bring him out of the garage at the right time and he’s ready to go. “It’s been a long time coming since the World Cup, so we’re excited to have him back.”
2. New Zealand light on second-row experience
Scott Barrett misses both Tests against Argentina after surgery on a finger injury, but has been joined on the sideline by Patrick Tuipulotu, who picked up a calf injury.
Their absence leaves the All Blacks short of experience in the scrum’s boiler room. Blues lock Sam Darry, who only made his debut in the win over Fiji, will partner Chiefs forward Tupou Vaa’i in a new-look second row combination with back up from Josh Lord (four caps) on the bench.
Darry will win just his second cap, while Vaa’i has played 28 times in black. “There is some fresh blood coming through with the second-rows, Sam has been impressive since he came in,” said Robertson.“
Josh has worn the black jersey before, so he will be straight up to the standard.”As Robertson pointed out, the All Blacks won’t be short of tall timber at the line-out as Darry stands at 6 foot, eight inches, Lord is 6ft, 9in and Vaa’I is 6ft 7in.