Saturday, September 28, 2013

NEW ZEALAND v ARGENTINA: Rugby Championship

28.09.2013

Venue: Estadio Ciudad de La Plata

Referee: Jaco Peyper (South Africa)

Preview
South Africa only has to drop a bonus point and New Zealand win with a bonus point and the Championship belongs to the Kiwis.

New Zealand will have to work hard to overcome Argentina at home. Argentina has proven a difficult time to win up front, their performance at home against South Africa and the Hamilton test against New Zealand proved that their scrum can dominate a game.

Graham Henry has been in an advisory capacity with Argentina. He told them if they can attack with the passion with which they defend they will be unbeatable. And this is where Argentina has been lacking. Despite an attacking player like Bosch the Argies just haven’t been able to finish off moves.

Argentina will have a huge crowd behind them. I feel that their time will come next weekend against Australia at home.New Zealand plays the game at great speed with great skill. Enough said. That’s what will tell against Argentina in the end.

Last Five Encounters
07.09.2013 New Zealand 28-13 in Hamilton (Rugby Championship)
29.09.2012 New Zealand 54-15 in Buenos Aires (Rugby Championship)
08.09.2012 New Zealand 21-5 in Wellington (Rugby Championship)
09.10.2011 New Zealand 33-10 in Auckland (World Cup; Quarter-Final)
24.06.2006 New Zealand 24-19 in Buenos Aires

Argentina has never defeated New Zealand.

New Zealand Last Five P 5, W 5
14.09.2013 v South Africa W 29-15 in Auckland (Rugby Championship)07.09.2013 v Argentina W 28-13 in Hamilton (Rugby Championship)
24.08.2013 v Australia W 27-16 in Wellington
17.08.2013 v Australia W 47-29 in Sydney (Bledisloe Cup; Rugby Champ.)
22.06.2013 v France W 24-9 in New Plymouth

Argentina Last Five P 5, W 1, L 4
14.09.2013 v Australia L 13-14 in Perth (Rugby Championship)
07.09.2013 v New Zealand L 13-28 in Hamilton (Rugby Championship)24.08.2013 v South Africa L 17-22 in Mendoza (Rugby Championship)
17.08.2013 v South Africa L 13-73 in Bloemfontein (Rugby Championship)22.06.2013 v Georgia W 29-18 in San Juan

GWC Rugby Rankings
World Table: New Zealand 4th, Argentina 15th

IRB Ranking Points
New Zealand 91.64, Argentina 76.41

Prediction: New Zealand by 20 points

TEAMS

8[1]

New Zealand

15   Israel Dagg  Hawkes Bay
14   Benjamin Smith  Otago
13   Conrad Smith Wellington
12   Ma'a Nonu  Auckland
11   Julian Savea  Wellington
10   Aaron Cruden Manawatu
9   Aaron Smith  Manawatu
8   Kieran Read (Capt.) Canterbury
7   Samuel Cane Bay of Plenty
6   Liam Messam  Waikato
5   Samuel Whitelock  Canterbury
4   Brodie Retallick  Bay of Plenty
3   Owen Franks  Canterbury
2   Andrew Hore Taranaki
1   Tony Woodcock  North Harbour
       
16   Keven Mealamu  Auckland
17   Wayne Crockett Canterbury
18   Charlie Faumuina  Auckland
19   Jeremy Thrush Wellington
20   Steven Luatua Auckland
21   Tawera Kerr-Barlow  Waikato
22   Beauden Barrett Taranaki
23   Charles Piutau Auckland
       
    HEAD COACH: Steven Hansen

13[1]

Argentina

15   Juan Martín Hernández  Racing Metro 92, France
14   Lucas González Amorosino Montpellier Hérault Rugby, France
13   Marcelo Bosch  Saracens, England
12   Santiago Fernández  Montpellier Hérault Rugby, France
11   Juan José Imhoff  Racing Metro, France
10   Nicolás Sánchez  Union Bordeaux Bègles, France 
9   Martin Landajo  Club Atletico San Isidro
8   Juan Manuel Leguizamón  RC Toulonnais, France
7   Pablo Matera  Asociación Alumni 
6   Juan Martín Fernández Lobbe (Capt.) Sale, England
5   Patricio Albacete  Stade Toulousian, France
4   Julio Farías Cabello  London Welsh, England
3   Juan Figallo  Montpellier Hérault Rugby, France
2   Eusebio Guiñazú  Bath Rugby, England
1   Marcos Ayerza Leicester Tigers
       
16   Agustín Creevy  Worcester Warriors, England 
17   Nahuel Lobo  Newcastle Falcons, England
18   Juan Pablo Orlandi  Bath Rugby, England
19   Mariano Galarza  Leinster, Ireland
20   Benjamín Macome Tucuman Rugby
21   Tomás Cubelli  Belgrano Athletic
22   Felipe Contepomi  Stade Français, France
23   Horacio Agulla  Bath Rugby, England
       
    HEAD COACH: Santiago Phelan

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