All Blacks v Pumas

Damned if you do damned if you don't. Who wouldn't back NZ? 13 tests is hardly a telling statistic but the Pumas best results vs the All Blacks tend to come from results pre the professional era. In fact, for a team(ie, NZ) that seriously struggles to retain their homegrown talent it's incredible they have only improved their results in the last 20yrs.

Not much to say here. Who won't back the All Blacks? Even the Pumas' diehards will. If we weren't playing them they would be supporting us. The Argies are your traditional rugby boys, growing up with 2 dreams. Playing for their country & facing the Haka.

Their strength is reknown. The scrum. But is there any scrum that can beat the NZ scrum in today's game? (Remember Mr Dickinson isn't here). The All Blacks will relish this. The backs have the goods. Regardless of the injury toll they would be favourites vs anyone. This is the perfect opponent pre semifinal. The All Blacks pack needs to step up 3 games in a row. They can get away with a halfhearted performance here but who lapses could be out. The 1st choice 2nd row has to be big bad Brad and the dynamic Whitelock. Henry knows what Williams can bring to any party but what we want is consistency. Not bad for 2 years out of the game but a world cup final needs him at his best. Great to see Weepu chosen as lead #9 and Cruden thrown in. On his game Weepu is as good as it gets. Slade has to produce, and he has the goods, but Cruden is as classy and perhaps the most dangerous 1st 5 in today's game. Cruden can threaten Sonny Bill as the game's top offloader & deserves attention. He will get 20minutes.

The All Blacks, while respecting Argentina and treating the 1st hour as a hard as nails test match, will treat this as a training run while they set their semi & final's game plan in place. We've seen it all season. Forget the looseness seen vs the minnows. The All Blacks feel this is their time. Take the referee out of the game. In their own half choose to defend & believe in their structure rather than challenge opposition rucks & give away kickable penalties. Ball in hand, 2 hit ups then clear. On attack, cutting down the 50/50 passes (to a point...the real cement will come a week later) and relying on a strong ruck game. The counter attack will be evident but contained until Dagg is back on board.

Typical fair. New Zealand paying $1.02 at the TAB yet a NZ fan seen as arrogant for expecting an AB win. Who would you back even if you weren't a fan of the All Blacks?

All respect to the Pumas...it's a training run for what New Zealand see as their true final next week vs Australia or the Springboks.