Overview

• Felipe Contepomi has recalled Juan Cruz Mallía, Santiago Chocobares, Marcos Kremer, Bautista Delguy, Mateo Carreras and Ignacio Ruiz to reinforce Argentina’s Championship roster.
• Los Pumas enter the weekend tests buoyed by recent landmark victories, including a 28-24 win over the British & Irish Lions and past triumphs on New Zealand soil.
• The All Blacks start their two-Test tour in Argentina without key players such as Cam Roigard, Tyrel Lomax and Wallace Sititi, exposing gaps in halfback options and scrum power.
• Scott Robertson faces scrutiny after a mixed July series and must quickly establish the cohesion needed to sustain New Zealand’s historical dominance.
• Argentina’s home venues, known for their fervent crowds and physical forward play, present a challenging environment that could shape the early Rugby Championship standings.