Argentina vs New Zealand Prediction: Pumas can run the All Blacks close

The 2025 Rugby Championship kicks off this weekend and New Zealand are out to win back the trophy they lost to South Africa last year.

The All Blacks are in South America to face Argentina (Sky Sports Plus, 22:10 BST) and it promises to be a stern test of their title credentials.

Below are my Argentina vs New Zealand predictions, alongside the team news, for Saturday’s clash in Cordoba.

Team News

Argentina will welcome back experienced duo Gonzalo Garcia and Tomas Albornoz to their squad for the visit of New Zealand.

The pair sat out the recent series with England and join the likes of Santiago Chocobares, Bautista Delguy, Marcos Kremer and Juan Cruz Mallia in Felipe Contepomi’s matchday squad.

Argentina: Juan Cruz Mallía, Rodrigo Isgro, Lucio Cinti, Santiago Chocobares, Bautista Delguy, Tomas Albornoz, Gonzalo Garcia, Joaquin Oviedo, Marcos Kremer, Pablo Matera, Pedro Rubiolo, Franco Molina, Pedro Delgado, Julian Montoya (captain), Mayco Vivas.

New Zealand have been hit by fitness problems, with now fewer than six players called up to act as injury cover.

The issues have led to a surprise call for Chiefs flanker Simon Parker, who is yet to make an appearance at senior international level.

Head coach Scott Robertson has opted to play the more experienced Beauden Barrett at number 10, instead of Damian McKenzie. Scott Barrett returns from injury to captain the All Blacks.

New Zealand: Will Jordan, Sevu Reece, Billy Proctor, Jordie Barrett, Rieko Ioane, Beauden Barrett, Cortez Ratima, Ardie Savea, Du’Plessis Kirifi, Tupou Vaa’i, Fabian Holland, Scott Barrett (captain), Fletcher Newell, Codie Taylor, Ethan de Groot.

Argentina vs New Zealand odds

The visitors are favourites to collect the points on Saturday night, with New Zealand available to back at 4/11.

Argentina, looking for their first win over the All Blacks on home soil, are priced at 23/10, while the draw is 22/1.

Handicap 3-Way - Argentina +9 @ 20/21

There would be understandable concerns over Argentina’s Rugby Championship hopes when you reflect on their summer series against England.

A 2-0 home series defeat to Steve Borthwick’s inexperienced squad was not in the script, but there were major reasons behind the two losses.

Coach Contepomi left a number of his key players, including those who had played in the Top 14 campaign, out of the July fixtures and they will all return on Saturday.

It’s worth noting a stronger Pumas side beat the British and Irish Lions 24-28 in Dublin, before Andy Farrell’s men went Down Under to beat Australia.

Argentina won 30-38 in Wellington last year’s tournament, before losing 42-10 a week later in Auckland, and being on home soil will give them real hope of running an injury-hit All Blacks close

Anytime Tryscorer - Beauden Barrett @ 9/4

Scott Robertson defended his decision to start Beauden Barrett at fly-half, insisting the Blues star is in ‘great form’ going into the Rugby Championship.

The 34-year-old has the experience to deal with the raucous crowd expected in Cordoba, with 136 All Blacks appearances to his name.

Barrett has scored 45 tries during his 13-year New Zealand career and five of those have come against the Pumas, including a try in the All Blacks 41-12 win in Mendoza in July 2023.

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