Argentina, emboldened by victory over the Springboks and improved by the experience of Super Rugby, are daring to dream that a first test victory over New Zealand might just be within their grasp this weekend. Sam Cane has also steadily developed as the heir to McCaw’s No. 7 jersey.
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Crusaders midfielder Ryan Crotty has been recalled to the All Blacks starting XV against Argentina after missing the side’s second Bledisloe Test with concussion.
The only run-on change sees Ryan Crotty return from injury to resume his place at inside centre with Anton Lienert Brown dropping to the bench.
The retirement of flyhalf Dan Carter, the world’s leading test pointscorer with 1,598, has been overcome by the rise of Beauden Barrett, who may be considered the best player in the world at the moment.
The All Blacks have progressed beyond the expectations of coach Steve Hansen. “If they bring that we’ve got to adapt”.
“We have definitely improved in our leadership”.
Hansen said his side had spent much of the week getting reconnected and honing their mental approach to Saturday’s game. But there are signs they may pose a sterner test than at any time in the recent past.
That maturity was evident in their recent clashes against South Africa, where they were pipped by the Springboks 30-23 in Nelspruit on August 20 before they beat Allister Coetzee’s side 26-24 in Salta the following week.
Selector Grant Fox says despite a successful start to their season, they aren’t taking anything for granted against Argentina for Saturday’s Hamilton Test. Against the All Blacks they have been able to slow down the game of the latter, thereby limited the damage to their team on the scoreboard.
Senatore and flyhalf Nicholas Sanchez recently spoke in acknowledgement of the qualities of their world champion opponents, aware that playing the All Blacks means going up to a different level.
Flanker Pablo Matera said Argentina dares to believe a win over New Zealand is possible.
“As a tight forward it’s awesome to challenge yourself in that area”, said All Blacks lock Sam Whitelock.
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“We do know that the Argentinians are one team that we often struggle to get really quick ball from”, All Blacks assistant coach Ian Foster told reporters in Hamilton on Wednesday. “Now we’re a team that tries to play with more speed, and play from all parts of the field”.
