PREVIEW OF THE ALL BLACKS-ARGENTINA TEST IN CHRISTCHURCH

FRIDAY, JULY 17, 7.30pm

New Zealand v Argentina at AMI Stadium

Head to Head: All Blacks 19, Argentina 0, Draw 1

Last clash: All Blacks 34 Argentina 13, at La Plata, September 27, 2014

The All Blacks will be out to improve on their disjointed showing against Samoa. After the festive atmosphere in Apia, they have had a more traditional Test build-up this week. Argentina have picked a side with a core of experience, but have also rested some frontline players for the trip to New Zealand.

Keys: The Pumas again see their scrum as a weapon with which to dominate but they have also been working on producing more flair out wide. If the All Blacks get their set-piece right, they have plenty of damaging ball carriers in their backline, including new boy Waisake Naholo.

Teams:

NEW ZEALAND: Israel Dagg, Waisake Naholo, Ma’a Nonu, Sonny Bill Williams, Charles Piutau, Dan Carter, TJ Perenara, Kieran Read, Richie McCaw (capt), Jerome Kaino, Brodie Retallick, Luke Romano, Owen Franks, Keven Mealamu, Tony Woodcock. Reserves: Codie Taylor, Wyatt Crockett, Nepo Laulala, Jeremy Thrush, Liam Messam, Andy Ellis, Colin Slade, Ryan Crotty.

ARGENTINA: Joaquin Tuculet, Horacio Agulla, Marcelo Bosch, Jeronimo De la Fuente, Santiago Cordero, Nicolas Sanchez, Tomas Cubelli, Facundo Isa, Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe, Juan Manuel Leguizamon, Guido Petti Pagadizabal, Manuel Carizza, Ramiro Herrera, Agustin Creevy (capt), Marcos Ayerza. Reserves: Julian Montoya, Lucas Noguera, Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro, Benjamin Macome, Javier Ortega Desio, Martin Landajo, Santiago Gonzalez Iglesias, Lucas Gonzalez Amorosino.

Tip: All Blacks by 15 points