Argentina vs New Zealand Preview & Tips – New Zealand to ease past Argentina in Rugby Championship clash

New Zealand overpowered France in their three-match series, securing a 3-0 win that has ear-marked the All Blacks as one of the sides to beat across the tournament. 

New Zealand have won seven of their last 10 against Argentina, with the latter winning the other three. The last time the pair met, New Zealand won 42-10 back in August last year. 

 

There is no doubting that Argentina are barely recognisable these days, with the Pumas now genuine competitors in any game they play in. 

While there is still clearly a gap between them and the top four in the world, Argentina have what it takes to beat any team on their day. Indeed, their exploits in the 2024 Rugby Championship saw the Pumas beat New Zealand, South Africa and Australia once each as they finished in third on the table. If they had avoided a hugely frustrating 20-19 loss to Australia in their first encounter, they would have finished above New Zealand in the standings. 

As it was, the Pumas were forced to settle for third place as they missed a big chance to make a massive statement. In 2025, Argentina have struggled. Their 28-24 win over the British & Irish Lions was superb, but they then lost 2-0 in their series against a depleted England before easing past Uruguay in a 52-17 win. 

When things are going well for the Pumas, fans are treated to running rugby, flowing passes and huge carries. However, if their ball-playing does not come off, they struggle to keep up with the opposition. I predict that the opening match of the competition will see them arrive looking rusty, and I see this costing them. 

New Zealand will not have taken kindly to losing the Rugby Championship trophy to South Africa last year in a limp attempt at securing the title. 

Three wins came alongside three defeats, and they were only spared third place as Argentina failed to beat Australia twice. Ultimately, it was a campaign to forget for the All Blacks. 

This time, New Zealand arrive for the tournament on the back of a 3-0 series win over France. While securing the whitewash was important, the result should be taken with a pinch of salt as France were without most of their first team stars. 

Despite this, New Zealand should arrive for the tournament confident. A trip to face Argentina is never easy, but they will be given more chances to get things going than if they played South Africa in their opener. 

With the need for a solid performance in game one in mind, I am backing the All Blacks to secure a fifth win in their last six against the Pumas.