Pumas say they can beat All Blacks for the first time

Argentina is quietly confident of finally toppling New Zealand in a rugby test when they kick off on Saturday at Velez Sarsfield Stadium.

As in 2001 when the All Blacks last visited, Argentina senses New Zealand is vulnerable.

For a variety of reasons, coach Graham Henry has split his All Blacks squad; squad A1 barely handled Ireland in two home tests, and squad A2 will play its first test this year under first-time captain Jerry Collins.

Although the All Blacks in Buenos Aires welcomed the chance to recharge after the Super 14, they have to worry about dusting off some rust against a Pumas team which has branded together through its own historic series victory over the previous two weekends, against a depleted Wales.

Henry’s starting 15 watched Argentina run over Wales 45-27 last Saturday at Velez Sarsfield, and know what’s coming; a traditionally strong forward pack which enjoys flexing its muscle, a flyhalf in Federico Todeschini who likes to kick and doesn’t miss much – he converted 16 of 17 goalkicks against Wales – and a useful backline backstopped by star fullback Juan Martin Hernandez.

Able to set aside serious disagreements with their near-bankrupt national administrators, the Pumas are at full-strength, their confidence is high after the first series victory over Wales, they are inspired as usual before a home crowd, and motivated to make history.

“We are not under pressure because we have never beaten New Zealand. On the contrary, it motivates us,” said Argentina No. 8 Gonzalo Longo. “We have played them several times; sometimes we were close to winning, and other times we were far away. We know it is difficult, but we believe in ourselves.” After watching their squadmates battle past Ireland in two narrow wins, the All Blacks are keen to make their mark.

Only winger Scott Hamilton will make his debut, and he should be comforted by reuniting with fullback Leon MacDonald and fellow winger Rico Gear for the first time since Canterbury won the Super 14 final. Flyhalf Daniel Carter, named the world’s best player in 2005, will make his first test appearance this year, and should help settle the new midfield pairing of Sam Tuitupou and Isaia Toeava.

Tuitupou played his sixth and last All Blacks test in 2004, while Toeava made his debut against Scotland during last November’s Grand Slam tour. They’ll face veteran Felipe Contepomi and seven-capped Gonzalo Tiesi, who scored two tries last Saturday.

“I always say that if New Zealand were to enter two teams in the World Cup, they will play against each other in the final,” Contepomi said.

“The Kiwis showed a lot of respect for the Pumas by ensuring that a number of their key players were named in the team to travel to Buenos Aires. It shows how much importance they attach to this game.” The All Blacks also have a history of escapes in Buenos Aires.

The great Hugo Porta kicked Argentina to the brink of an upset in a 21-21 draw in 1985, and in 2001 it took a last-minute counterattack try by Scott Robertson for New Zealand to win 24-20.

Only hooker Anton Oliver, who led the All Blacks that night, remains from the 2001 starters, while the Pumas have eight survivors, including Longo, Contepomi, and scrumhalf and captain Agustin Pichot.

“It’s always a special game against the All Blacks,” said prop Rodrigo Roncero. “First, they are the best team in the world at this time, and second, we have yet to beat them. We have to play focused and do what we practiced this week, then hope we have a good night, and we prevail over them.” New Zealand has won 15 of 16 tests against Argentina since 1976, but the All Blacks have capped only the 12 tests since 1985.

— Lineups: Argentina: Juan Martin Hernandez, Jose Maria Nunez Piossek, Gonzalo Tiesi, Felipe Contepomi, Federico Aramburu, Federico Todeschini, Agustin Pichot (captain); Rodrigo Roncero, Mario Ledesma; Omar Hasan, Ignacio Fernandez Lobbe, Rimas Alvarez Kairelis, Martin Durand, Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe, Gonzalo Longo. Replacements: Pablo Gambarini, Martin Scelzo, Martin Schusterman, Juan Manuel Leguizamon, Nicolas Fernandez Miranda, Lucas Borges, Federico Serra.

New Zealand: Leon MacDonald, Rico Gear, Isaia Toeava, Sam Tuitupou, Scott Hamilton, Daniel Carter, Piri Weepu; Tony Woodcock, Anton Oliver, Greg Somerville, Jason Eaton, Ali Williams, Jerry Collins (captain), Chris Masoe, Mose Tuiali’i. Replacements: Andrew Hore, Neemia Tialata, Troy Flavell, Craig Newby, Jimmy Cowan, Luke McAlister, Ma’a Nonu.