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PREVIEW: Los Pumas in a with a sniff against second-string All Blacks?

The All Blacks have made wholesale changes from the side that ran out 39-0 winners against Argentina last week.

Jordie Barrett of the All Blacks
Image Copyright - Steve Haag Sports

After going down 39-0 against the All Blacks last week, Los Pumas will be looking for a more complete performance when they take on Ian Foster's men this weekend.

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Argentina v New Zealand
Saturday 18 September
12:05
Suncorp Stadium

To Win Match

Argentina 12/1
Draw 40/1
New Zealand 1/100

Handicap

Argentina (+28.5) 9/10
New Zealand (-28.5) 9/10

Argentina will search for improvement from their display last week when they face New Zealand again at the Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on Saturday in round four of the Rugby Championship.

Los Pumas were blanked by the All Blacks last week, going down 39-0 without ever firing a shot. With his men still seeking their first win of the tournament, the quality of performance would have worried coach Mario Ledesma and their inability to spark anything with ball in hand is becoming a real frustration.

Interestingly, in the two Tests between the sides since Argentina’s epic 25-15 win over the ABs in Sydney last year, the South Americans have conceded 77-points without scoring one themselves. Still, theirs is a proud nation and one would expect a much better showing this weekend.

Coach Ian Foster has made 12 changes to his side from last week. Ardie Savea comes into the back row and takes over the captaincy, while Damian McKenzie is at No 10 in place of Beauden Barrett. TJ Perenara, Jordie Barrett and George Bridge are the only players to retain their spots in the starting XV ahead of a tough upcoming schedule for the Bledisloe winners.

New Zealand have earned bonus-point wins in all three of their Rugby Championship matches so far and sit pretty at the summit of the standings on 15-points. Another big victory here would see them in pole position to win the competition, even with two massive clashes with the Springboks to come.

Verdict: Argentina (+28.5) 9/10

Argentina should be better in this one and will stay within the handicap in Brisbane.

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