New Zealand v Argentina predictions: Pumas can put up a fight

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

Where to watch

Sky Sports Arena, 8.45am Saturday

Best bet

Argentina +22
2pts 10-11 BoyleSports, Hills

Match preview

The whole of New Zealand went into near-meltdown after the All Blacks' home series defeat to Ireland and then a loss in South Africa, and all is not necessarily forgotten after a convincing performance to beat the Springboks last time out.

Fans in Christchurch will want to see the All Blacks at their best and will be buoyed that the last three meetings with the Pumas have brought wins by margins of 36-13, 39-0 and 38-0.

Those results all came in the Covid-affected tournaments of 2020 and 2021, though, and all were played in Australia. Argentina's last home Test before this summer's series against Scotland was in 2018 and it's no surprise the team could not build any continuity or rhythm.

A home series win against Scotland followed by a promising first half against Australia, in which they led 19-10 before going down 41-26, and then a full 80-minute performance to see off the Wallabies 48-17 puts Los Pumas in a far better place for this trip.

Before those three heavy defeats Argentina also recorded their first - and only - victory over the All Blacks, and while a repeat of that success looks highly unlikely, the visitors can do enough to stay within a 22-point handicap.

Argentina have attacked with purpose this summer and scored 108 points in their last three outings.

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