New Zealand v Argentina: match preview, where to watch and free tip

Free rugby tips, best bets and analysis for New Zealand v Argentina in the Rugby Championship on Saturday.

Where to watch

Sky Sports Arena, 6.10am Saturday

Best bet

New Zealand -11 on first-half handicap
2pts 10-11 general

Match preview

Argentina face a double-whammy in Saturday's Rugby Championship encounter in Sydney, playing their first match for more than a year against a New Zealand team stung by defeat to Australia last week.

Any hopes that the All Blacks would take the opportunity to blood a few fringe players were probably dashed by that Brisbane reverse, and many of the big guns rested last week are back.

Aaron Smith and Richie Mo'unga return as the first-choice half-back pairing with Beauden Barrett reverting to full-back and there's a wealth of experience in a powerful pack.

Argentina are not coming in completely cold as they have been in Australia several weeks, but there is no substitute for match preparation and this is New Zealand's fifth match in six weeks.

The teams last met at a neutral venue at the 2015 Rugby World Cup in England, where the All Blacks won 26-16, and while victories in New Zealand have been more convincing, only one of the last eight meetings has seen a margin of more than 23 points.

However, one thing we can probably bank on is a fast start from New Zealand, who have scored a try inside the first ten minutes in three of their four matches this year. They can cash in on Argentina's lack of match time and go in with a comfortable lead at the break.

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