In a strategic shuffle for the Rugby Championship opener, All Blacks' coach Scott Robertson has repositioned Ardie Savea to number eight against Argentina, amidst ongoing injuries within the team. Originally pegged as a long-term openside flanker after his stints against France, Savea’s versatility is being tapped yet again due to the absences of Wallace Sititi and Luke Jacobson.
Scott Robertson's selection strategy leans heavily on experience, pushing Savea into a crucial role as he joins forces with Du’Plessis Kirifi and Tupou Vaa’i in the loose trio. Despite having multiple options from his wider training squad, notably omitting Christian Lio-Willie and sidelining Simon Parker who awaits his debut, Robertson has opted for a seasoned lineup to kickstart the championship.
The backline sees a mix of resilience and fresh opportunity as Cortez Ratima steps up in the wake of injuries to key players, paired with the recovered Beauden Barrett at half-back. The Barrett brothers unite in the midfield with Jordie taking the inside centre spot alongside Billy Proctor, while the dynamic trio of Will Jordan, Sevu Reece, and Rieko Ioane complete the back three.
With Fletcher Newell stepping in for the injured Tyrel Lomax, the forward pack is rounded out by captain Scott Barrett, breakout star Fabian Holland, Codie Taylor, and Ethan de Groot. The bench reflects a similar strategy of experience over youth, with Finlay Christie preferred over Kyle Preston and Anton Lienert-Brown selected over younger counterparts like Quinn Tupaea and Timoci Tavatavanawai.
"We’ve had a great week of training in Buenos Aires and the group is ready to go out and perform. Scott and our leaders have led from the front and there’s a lot of focus and motivation in the group for the start of the campaign,"
said Robertson.
He further highlighted the unique challenges posed by the Argentine squad:
"We know the Pumas identity is a fast and physical game and we’ve selected a team that will embrace the occasion."
This match marks a significant milestone, being the first time in 30 years that the All Blacks have played in Córdoba, an event anticipated with high energy and passion from the local crowd.
The game is set to unfold at Estadio Mario Alberto Kempes in Cordoba, promising a clash filled with strategic depth and intense rugby action, as both teams vie to set a tone for their championship campaigns.
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In a strategic shuffle for the Rugby Championship opener, All Blacks' coach Scott Robertson has repositioned Ardie Savea to number eight against Argentina, amidst ongoing injuries within the team. Originally pegged as a long-term openside flanker after his stints against France, Savea’s versatility is being tapped yet again due to the absences of Wallace Sititi and Luke Jacobson.
Scott Robertson's selection strategy leans heavily on experience, pushing Savea into a crucial role as he joins forces with Du’Plessis Kirifi and Tupou Vaa’i in the loose trio. Despite having multiple options from his wider training squad, notably omitting Christian Lio-Willie and sidelining Simon Parker who awaits his debut, Robertson has opted for a seasoned lineup to kickstart the championship.
The backline sees a mix of resilience and fresh opportunity as Cortez Ratima steps up in the wake of injuries to key players, paired with the recovered Beauden Barrett at half-back. The Barrett brothers unite in the midfield with Jordie taking the inside centre spot alongside Billy Proctor, while the dynamic trio of Will Jordan, Sevu Reece, and Rieko Ioane complete the back three.
With Fletcher Newell stepping in for the injured Tyrel Lomax, the forward pack is rounded out by captain Scott Barrett, breakout star Fabian Holland, Codie Taylor, and Ethan de Groot. The bench reflects a similar strategy of experience over youth, with Finlay Christie preferred over Kyle Preston and Anton Lienert-Brown selected over younger counterparts like Quinn Tupaea and Timoci Tavatavanawai.
"We’ve had a great week of training in Buenos Aires and the group is ready to go out and perform. Scott and our leaders have led from the front and there’s a lot of focus and motivation in the group for the start of the campaign,"
said Robertson.He further highlighted the unique challenges posed by the Argentine squad:
"We know the Pumas identity is a fast and physical game and we’ve selected a team that will embrace the occasion."
This match marks a significant milestone, being the first time in 30 years that the All Blacks have played in Córdoba, an event anticipated with high energy and passion from the local crowd.The game is set to unfold at Estadio Mario Alberto Kempes in Cordoba, promising a clash filled with strategic depth and intense rugby action, as both teams vie to set a tone for their championship campaigns.