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The All Blacks on their way?
Never change a winning team.
A week after dominating the South African world champions (35-23) at home and putting an end to a black series of three losses in a row, New Zealand coach Ian Foster has decided to line up against the Pumas the same Starting XV than against the Springboks.
Confident, the All Blacks?
Not sure.
"We know there are a lot of things we could have done better," Foster said.
"We want to make sure we can confirm this performance and learn from it to grow," added the coach, who saw former Ireland coach Joe Schmidt join his staff as an assistant last week.
An arrival that should energize the New Zealand attack.
The Pumas modified their back lines accordingly, two weeks after rolling over Australia (48-17).
Current leader of the Rugby Championship, Argentina clearly relies on the size of center Matias Moroni and winger Lucio Cinti to thwart their opponent of the day.
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Boks, Wallabies, duel of wounded beasts
For Australia, as for South Africa, the objective is clear on Saturday in Adelaide: after two weeks of ruminating on their setbacks, Wallabies and Springboks intend to find colors.
The first of their two confrontations on the mainland island will be decisive for the reigning world champions, who dream of winning their first Rugby Championship since 2019. With the return of Faf de Klerk as scrum-half and future player from Racing 92 Warrick Gelant on the wing, the South Africans strengthened.
"It's an essential shock that will set the tone for the rest of our Rugby Championship and we believe that continuity in the selection will give momentum to our campaign," explained coach Jacques Nienaber.
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The Australians, they made six changes, notably recalling the back Reece Hodge in place of Tom Wright, in difficulty on the air balloons against the Pumas.
The Wallabies will again have to do without their usual captain Michael Hooper, who has stepped back from the group in order to preserve his sanity.
© 2022 AFP