Argentina head coach Felipe Contepomi has named his team, that are out to make history tomorrow in Auckland. Los Pumas are attempting to record two consecutive wins against the All Blacks for the first time on New Zealand soil, with the added caveat of ending the immortal 30-year unbeaten streak at Eden Park.
Argentina stunned the All Blacks in last Saturday’s Rugby Championship opening round, as a last ditch try from veteran hooker Agustin Creevy sealed the dramatic 38-30 away win, with Wellington’s capital city curse remaining for New Zealand. The All Blacks terrible record at Sky Stadium was extended to one win in the last seven matches, yet the Auckland arena favours a far better outcome for New Zealand this Saturday.
The All Blacks have not lost at Eden Park since July 1994, when France achieved a 23-20 win on the hallowed ground. Since then, New Zealand have racked up 46 wins and just two draws at the stadium, with history favouring the All Blacks in their return to Eden. However, Argentina will be out to capitalise on the recent upset, with head coach Contepomi making just a handful of alterations to the team.
Clermont star Marcos Kremer moves from openside flanker to the locks, with Saracens’ hard-hitter Juan Martin Gonzalez swapping from number eight to the seven jersey. Perpignan’s Joaquin Oviedo will instead pack down the scrum in the eight-man role.
Leicester Tigers hooker Julien Montoya returns to the starting XV and will captain the side, while Ignacio Ruiz is dropped to the bench, with no place in the squad for last-week’s match winner Agustin Creevy.
Argentina team to play New Zealand – 2024 Rugby Championship Round 2
1. Thomas Gallo
2. Julian Montoya
3. Lucio Sordoni
4. Marcos Kremer
5. Pedro Rubiolo
6. Pablo Matera
7. Juan Martin Gonzalez
8. Joaquin Oviedo
9. Gonzalo Bertranou
10. Santiago Carreras
11. Matthew Carreras
12. Santiago Chocobares
13. Lucio Cinti
14. Matthias Moroni
15. Juan Cruz Mallia
Replacements
16. Ignacio Ruiz
17. Mayco Vivas
18. Joel Sclavi
19. Franco Molina
20. Tomás Lavanini
21. Lautaro Bazan Velez
22. Thomas Albornoz
23. Bautista Delguy