New Zealand vs. Argentina Rugby Odds: Back the hosts to bounce back on Saturday

It was a shocking result last time out, as Argentina surprised the rugby world to claim their first ever victory over New Zealand on their own soil.

The potential ramifications of that defeat, and another one this weekend, would more than likely see All Blacks head coach Ian Foster lose his job with the coming tournament next Autumn. His side currently lie in third place in the table, and another loss on Saturday would surely all but end their title defence.

In response to their defeat, Foster has decided to go unchanged for his starting XV, and hopes that his post-match focus on New Zealand’s inability to finish the game strongly will be resolved this coming weekend.

For Los Pumas, head coach Michael Cheika could be doing the most impressive work in world rugby right now. Despite leading the Rugby Championship table, rather unfamiliar territory for the Argentines, Cheika has laughed off any suggestions that his side are favourites for the game.

Following on from the historic victory, Cheika has made four changes to his starting lineup, with two a-piece in the forwards and backs. With New Zealand having lost their last three home tests, Cheika and his side will be expecting a backlash of sorts, especially when facing a Waikato Stadium crowd who haven’t witnessed a home defeat since 2009.

As ever, we’ve looked ahead to the game, and picked out two tips to go with it.

Starting off, we’re going to go with the ‘underdogs’ to win the race to 10 points. Unfortunately for Los Pumas, I don’t think they’ll be able to replicate last week’s historic victory (how ever will they cope?), but I think the early pressure and tension inside the ground will allow them to race ahead early on.

This line landed in Argentina’s opening two Rugby Championship games, with the only time it didn’t come in being their last game against New Zealand. The All Blacks are under immense pressure, so expect some potential early mistakes, and penalties given away, allowing the visitors to race to 10 points.

Next up, one of the two leading try scorers in this year’s Championship has taken our fancy. Juan Martin Gonzalez has had a fantastic 14 months of international rugby, from making his Test debut in July of 2021, scoring in that same game, to becoming a leading Flanker for Los Pumas.

Gonzalez has scored in all three games so far this tournament, and although he’s on the bench, the price of 11/2 for the flanker to cross the line is just too tempting.

Best of luck if you’re following any of these bets, and please gamble responsibly.