New Zealand v Argentina predictions and rugby union tips: All Blacks can respond

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

Where to watch

Sky Sports Main Event & Arena, 8.05am Saturday

Best bet

New Zealand -12
2pt 8-11 Betfred, Boyles

Match preview

Argentina didn’t put a foot wrong in last weekend’s historic win over New Zealand, but the Pumas may struggle to maintain that level of performance against a wounded All Blacks on Saturday.

The Pumas are top of the Rugby Championship standings at the halfway mark with two wins from three games following their maiden success in New Zealand, on a night when everything went right for Michael Cheika's men.

A near flawless showing from Argentina's blitz defence, which posted a tackle completion rate of 96 per cent, flummoxed New Zealand, and fly-half Emiliano Boffelli was foot perfect the kicking tee, nailing all of his seven attempts at goal.

Bookmakers have reacted to Argentina’s landmark success by drastically reducing the handicap from 22 points to 12 for Saturday’s rematch in rainy Hamilton.

That’s a significant drop and it could pay to back a New Zealand side desperate to end a run of three straight home defeats, the longest losing run in their history.

The All Blacks attack misfired last week - fly-half Richie Mo’unga had a particularly poor night - but they did have the edge elsewhere, most notably at the scrum and in the air.

Argentina’s defence started the Rugby Championship by shipping 41 points against Australia at home and while this is far from a vintage All Blacks side, they are capable of far better than they showed in Christchurch last week.

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